Balloon Safe Practices
&
The Environment

IMPORTANT BALLOON INFO...
PLEASE READ FULLY AND BE AWARE

Balloons bring joy and excitement - however, caution must be taken especially where young children are involved - Adult supervision is required for young children - balloons can be a potential choking hazard Children under 8 years can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep underinflated balloons away from young children - in the case of there being any broken parts of balloons, collect and discard all pieces immediately. This also applies to pets. Many Balloon Sticks come in two pieces a cup, which attaches to the balloon, and a stick. The cup is small and may present a choking hazard should it become loose. Balloons and Allergies, most balloons are made of natural rubber latex and may cause allergies. Please look out for symptoms in case of allergies and seek immediate help.

POTENTIAL DANGERS OF INHALING HELIUM

Although inhaling helium may sound like fun it is a serious matter and could be potentially dangerous - in fact, it can kill. Not because of the helium, but due to the lack of oxygen in the body when helium is inhaled. The lack of oxygen that comes from inhaling helium can cause immediate fainting, asphyxiation and even death.

MEDICAL HELIUM IS NOT USED TO INFLATE BALLOONS

Supagas, a leading supplier of helium explains that the helium used to inflate balloons is not pure enough for medical or scientific use. It is a by-product gathered during the production of medical-grade helium. The majority of liquid helium boils off in the transfer process.

Instead of wasting this resource, it is collected and recycled. The sale of balloon gas offsets the cost of medical helium.

Balloon Shine Warning

The Balloon Emporium takes the following precautions when applying balloon shine. The Balloon Emporium Ltd Protect floors with sheets before applying product with care. This product makes floors/surfaces VERY slippery and can transfer onto the bottom of footwear. Shine spray products prolong the shine of balloons. This revives the shine in latex balloon creations and prevents balloons from becoming oxidised.

BALLOONS & THE ENVIRONMENT
PLEASE DO NOT LET GO!

What goes up does come down - as much as we love balloons, we believe in taking care of our planet, we understand that our survival is tied to the Earth's well-being.

Therefore, we do not knowingly supply balloons for balloon releases. When Balloons are released into the air they will fall into our environment and may become 'litter'.

Although latex balloons will eventually decompose, until that time they may litter our beaches & countryside - not only visually offensive they could cause potential harm to wildlife & marine life.

WE URGE OUR CUSTOMERS TO DISCUSS OTHER OPTIONS WITH US

SAFE PRACTICE - PIN IT & BIN IT

Best Practice - cut latex balloons into small pieces & and dispose of them with food for garden waste.

Mylar - better known in the UK as Foil balloons can be disposed of along with  re-cycled plastics * or repurposed see below.

A great deal of our work consists of using air-filled, natural latex balloons. If helium is used, complying with industry standards by keeping balloons attached securely to weights.

Displays & installations can be fixed to indoor structures or framework after the event we remove & dispose of the balloons safely or on some occasions advise venue staff on "Pin it and Bin it" methods to ensure controlled disposal after the event.

By choosing to use Balloon Professionals who use latex balloons as their medium of expression, you are making an environmentally and economically responsible choice.

LATEX BALLOONS ARE NOT PLASTIC

Many people mistakenly believe that latex balloons are made from a type of plastic -however they are actually made from latex rubber - a 100% natural material harvested from rubber trees (also known as Hevea Brasiliense's). The sap from these trees is harvested and turned into the bouncy rubber material used for balloons. The entire process is gentle and sustainable, with no risk of deforestation.

A single rubber tree can be tapped for latex for up to 30 years. Balloons made from natural latex will biodegrade over time, but the duration depends on various factors such as the environment and any additional products added to the balloons in manufacturing. Organic pigments are added to the latex to make hundreds of colours. Research shows that latex balloons degrade at around the same rate as a leaf from an oak tree. Studies show that a latex balloon is 90% degraded after 2 years.

When possible we only purchase balloon stock from leading manufacturers who source their latex from sustainable forestry, Rainforest Alliance Certified & Forest Stewardship Council Plantations.
This contributes to building healthy forests, and thriving communities and helps fight climate change.

MYLAR (known in the UK as foil) BALLOONS

Mylar balloons are made with a plastic/nylon, synthetic material that is recyclable, but it does not biodegrade. The Balloon Emporium re-purpose them by integrating them in our displays, any parts not used are disposed of along with our recyclable plastics.