Birthdays and balloons have always gone hand in hand. However, a study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials noted that latex balloons are not biodegradable. The study looked at different types of balloons in saltwater, freshwater, and industrial compose. Over the course of 16 weeks, the balloons showed no crucial degradation, indicating that they would continue to pose an environmental threat over time.
According to the University of Michigan, a balloon can travel thousands of miles and ends up polluting the ecosystem where it lands. Balloon releases are an exciting way to mark a special occasion, but they are also one of the most dangerous for the environment, as hundreds of balloons are often released into the air at once, per Toms of Maine.
Balloons also dangerous to a person's health
Typical balloons are made of latex. According to the Environmental Nature Center, latex balloons can take anywhere between six months to four years to biodegrade.
Balloons are pleasing to the eyes, but everyone knows that a big part of their appeal is the loud noise they make when being popped. This is an impulsive noise characterized by a sudden burst of high-intensity energy and can reach 168 decibels. According to a report from a Canadian audiologist, such noise is five decibels, is higher than a 12-gauge shotgun, and is more than enough to result in permanent hearing loss, especially for young ones with sensitive eardrums. These noises can potentially make large waves in the inner ear's basilar membrane, causing damage to the delicate hair cells.
Study authors explained that people need to think of noise exposure the same way as sun exposure, as balloon-popping has cumulative effects and must be treated more seriously, per Reader's Digest.
Be cautious of ordinary balloons
Another fun in balloons is sucking their air, helium, to achieve a giddy and cartoon-like voice. However, Healthline points out that inhaling helium displaces oxygen, and not getting enough oxygen is risky. Lack of oxygen causes dizziness or fainting.
Medical professionals warned that the effects of helium on the body are similar to what happens when a scuba diver comes up for air too quickly. A stroke is usually caused when a gas bubble gets into the bloodstream through a tear in a blood vessel which can block blood flow to the brain. Experts say that the greatest danger of such happening comes from inhaling helium directly from a pressurized tank.
Although helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, it may be bad for the human body, though it has an important place in society.
Another danger is children under eight years old can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; thus, adult supervision is required when playing with balloons, per Balloon Facts.
