Frequently asked questions

Balloons and the environment

Latex balloons are made of 100% natural, biodegradable latex. The harvest of the sap from the rubber trees discourages de-forestation and the latex-producing trees are left intact allowing them to continue producing latex for up to 40 years. Latex balloons biodegrade in about the same time as an oak leaf.

Inflating a balloon stresses the natural rubber and speeds the biodegrading process which will begin almost immediately. Exposure to sunlight intensifies the overall process but oxygen and ozone in the atmosphere attack the latex and start to break it down even in the dark. You can recognize the start of oxidation as a white bloom which covers the balloon surface spoiling the shine.

What is helium

Helium is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, inert gas lighter than air (at room temperature) and makes up about 0.0005% of the air we breathe. Helium is a non-flammable, non-toxic gas. There is no known ecological damage resulting from the use of helium. It can be used safely either inside or outside.

Helium safety

NEVER DELIBERATELY INHALE HELIUM. Although it is non-toxic and inert it is an asphyxiate and can cause suffocation or death.