Balloon Trivia

             Did You Know...

When were balloons invented?

Balloons were first invented in New England during the Great Depression.  A chemical engineer became frustrated in his attempts to make inner tubes from a new product, liquid latex.  He then drew and cut out a figure of a cat's head from a piece of cardboard and dipped it in the latex.  When it dried, Neil Tillotson had a "cat balloon" complete with ears!  He made 2000 balloons and sold them on the street during Boston's Annual Patriot Day Parade.  The rest is history!!

What are balloon made of?

Balloons are 100% natural latex made from rubber trees grown in the rain forests.  One tree can produce latex for up to 40 years! Balloons are biodegradable and decompose as fast as an oak leaf in your yard. 

Are balloon releases safe?

Balloon releases are safe.  Research shows that balloons rise to an altitude of about 5-miles, where they freeze and then break into spaghetti like pieces and scatter as they return to earth and ultimately decompose.

What causes the loud sound when a balloon pops?

If the sound of a balloon popping startles you, you're not alone.  A bursting balloon actually creates a small sonic boom!  Once a hole is made in an inflated balloon, the quick release of the balloon's energy, or air, causes the hole to grow at almost the speed of sound in rubber.  Since the speed of sound in rubber is much higher than the speed of sound in air, the escaping air from inside the balloon actually breaks the sound barrier, creating a sonic boom!

Are there choking hazards with small children?

It is important that consumers be aware of suffocation hazards to children under eight years old — who may choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. We recommend:

• Adult supervision is required.

• Keep uninflated balloons from children.

• Discard broken balloons at once.

All domestically manufactured balloons carry a warning label with this information.

Who is at risk from latex allergies?

Latex allergies present a moderate to serious health problem for a very small percentage of the population in the United States. Reactions to naturally produced latex (latex is a milky sap produced by rubber trees) may range from minor skin irritation to reactions so severe that immediate emergency medical treatment is required to prevent death.

Incidentally, those most at risk of having an allergic reaction to latex are in the medical arena —doctors, nurses, dentists, technicians, and certain patients. These people are exposed to latex gloves and equipment which has latex on it. However, patients need not lose out on the joy and entertainment balloons bring to a hospital room. Since the late 1970's, the balloon industry and its retailers have been providing synthetic, metallized balloons that offer a wide range of festive colors, unique shapes and messages that make people feel good.