Balloons and the Environment
BALLOONS AND THEIR BIO-DEGRADABLE
NATURE
There are two types of balloons in wide general use - latex and mylar. This distinction is important
because each type requires different handling. Latex balloons are easily identified by their elastic character and are composed
of natural rubber sap and small amounts of non-toxic coagulants and pigments. They are 100% bio-degradable. When exposed to
outdoor elements they are completely consumed by soil or water micro-organisms at a rate quicker than that experienced by
an oak leaf under identical conditions. In much the same way maple syrup is harvested from the maple tree, the production
of latex balloons contributes positively to the preservation of tropical rain forests.
Mylar balloons are made with mylar nylon, a material developed
for use with the US
space program. Balloons made from mylar are often coated with a metallic finish and are available in a variety of shapes and
imprinted designs. Mylar balloons are not classified bio-degradable and should not be released.
HELIUM - PART OF THE
EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE
Helium is a lighter-than-air gas used to inflate balloons. It exists in small quantities
within the earth's atmosphere and is mined from underground pools where it accumulates as a by-product of the earth's production
of natural gas. Helium is non-toxic, non-flammable, and has no harmful effects on the earth's environment.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
BALLOON RELEASES
When a latex balloon is released,
it rises to a height of approximately 28,000 feet, with the helium gas expanding as it rises. With temperatures dropping to
minus 40 degrees at this altitude, the balloon freezes. As the helium continues to expand in the frozen balloon, the balloon
undergoes "brittle fracturing" and ruptures into small slivers which scatter and fall to earth. A small percentage of balloons
which are released will experience leaks from defects and will not rise high enough to freeze and burst. The distance they
travel and their distribution will be determined by current prevailing winds.
Research indicates that if 10% of the balloons from a 500 balloon release were
to fall into this category, the average distribution would be one balloon per 15 square mile area.
1. Cut ribbons very short so they do not entangle in power lines
or trees.
2. Use bio-degradable paper for messages attached to the neck of balloons.
3. Balloons must always be launched singly.
4. Balloons must be hand tied, no mylar ribbon and no plastic clips.
5. Do Not release mylar, foil or plastic
balloons.
