Here’s how to follow Smart Balloon Practices:
- Keep balloons secured to a weight.
All helium-filled balloons should be tied securely to a weight that will keep them from releasing into the air. Be sure to individually tie each balloon to the weight, so if they become detached from the weight, they will be individual rather than “clustered” (tied together) balloons which can more easily become entangled in power lines.
- Do not release foil balloons into the air.
Although it is very rare, problems can occur if they become tangled in power lines and they can turn into roadside litter if not disposed of properly.
- Keep deflated or popped latex balloons away from children to avoid risks of choking.
Children can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; adults should always supervise young children—especially those under eight years old—with balloons.
- Although it rarely occurs, some people are known to have a “latex allergy.”
Talk to your customers to find out if this pertains to them or the person to whom they’ll be giving the balloons, and educate them on how they can still purchase balloons and not be affected. Latex balloons are made of natural rubber latex and are biodegradable, but may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to natural rubber latex.
