Latex Balloons-How Safe Are They?
What kid doesn’t love balloons?!
Well…get this-Latex balloons are the leading cause of suffocation deaths of all children’s products, 
according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most are under the age of 6!
Sorry to burst your…well…balloon, but you may want to reconsider latex balloons for your next event! Especially if you are considering having latex balloons in any environment where you may have a high volume of small children. Beyond latex allergies there are a variety of other safety concerns.
First, what is latex?
Latex is the liquid rubber harvested from the sap of rubber trees. Chemists mix the sap with a combination of water, oil, color, and various chemicals to make many things, including balloons.
Why should you be weary of purchasing latex balloons?
Besides possible suffocation by inhaling them whole (while attempting to inflate them), children can also choke on the broken pieces of a balloon that has popped.
In 1995 the Child Safety Protection act was enacted requiring latex balloons to have the label:
“CHOKING HAZARD: Children under 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adults upervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.”
Warning labels are effective, but wouldn’t you rather have a safer and better option?
Other then the safety concerns with latex balloons, you also have to worry about them deflating. Latex balloons are not entirely air tight, so the helium will eventually seep out; typically within 12 to 24 hours, the balloons will no longer float in the air. In colder temperatures, the helium leaks out even faster, making it less then ideal for outside usage in colder climates.
No need to worry, our Superheroes have you covered! Mylar (foil) balloons will save your event from falling flat. They are safer, float longer, and can be reused!