Today, latex is the most popular material for manufacturing bargain balloons. They have a very affordable price, an impressive variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and, most importantly, they are good for the planet.
Do you think you know everything about latex balloons? Then read our 10 most interesting facts about latex balloons that you may have never heard about!
Latex balloons facts
Are modern latex balloons eco friendly? Hot to make them last longer? How high can a balloon inflated with helium go — and can it be dangerous? Now, we will share with you some fascinating facts about latex balloons!
Fact #1: a balloon inflated with helium rises through the atmosphere at 2 meters per second and can rise to 28,000 feet in 1.5 hours. At this altitude, the temperature is minus 40C, and latex loses its elasticity and shatters. Small latex pieces rush back to the Earth and spread over a huge area.
Fact #2: latex balloons facts confirm that the lifespan of a latex balloon largely depends on the quality and thickness of latex (the best countries-manufacturers are Colombia, Belgium, and the USA) and the technology of its manufacture — marble balloons and confetti balloons live less than regular latex balloons with no pictures printed on them.
Fact #3: one of the crucial facts about natural rubber latex balloons: the main reason why the balloons destruct is the oxygen in the atmosphere. After inflation, the walls of the balloon become thinner, latex molecules react with oxygen molecules, resulting in oxidation and destruction of latex. Its elasticity decreases, the number of pores increases, the balloon loses its shine and transparency, its surface becomes cloudy.
Fact #4: latex balloons are very sensitive to ultraviolet: in direct sunlight, you can lose them within a couple of hours! If you plan to use balloons outdoors in hot summer weather, opt for balloons that have lighter shades. For example, buy light-blue instead of dark-blue, choose pink instead of red, etc. They attract less light and heat up less, so they will last longer.
Fact #5: helium significantly changes its volume with changing temperature: it expands at high temperatures and contracts at low ones. You can even notice it: when you bring the latex balloon out into the cold, its size greatly reduces, and when you go back in the house, it restores its shape. Latex helium balloons facts confirm that such frequent temperature fluctuations cause rapid wear of the latex, as a result of which the balloon deflates faster.
Fact #6: don’t confuse regular latex balloons with helium latex balloons: the latter ones are specifically designed for helium inflation. Although normal latex balloons can still tolerate helium, they won’t last as long as helium latex balloons (8- 10 hours for regular balloons VS up to 4 days for helium latex balloons).
Fact #7: in 1931, Neil Tylotson created the first latex balloon. Before that, they could only be round-shaped, but the invention made it possible to start the production of long, narrow balloons. The designers immediately made good use of this innovation: they started creating decorations for holidays and making wonderful compositions.
Fact #8: analyzing the important facts about latex balloons we can’t help mentioning that they are the most popular products to print on. Whether you’re looking for balloon party decor or just a little present, you should go latex. High-quality and flexible, they are the perfect canvas for your personalized balloons!
Fact #9: fun facts about latex balloons confirm that the specially bred high-yielding Hevea trees (the ones that produce latex rubber) can give more than 4000 lb. of latex per hectare per year. Also, there are specially-bred trees that can give more than 7000 lb. of latex per hectare per year. A fully-automated factory can produce over one million balloons a day!
Fact #10: one of the most astounding and little known latex balloon facts says that the increased demand for latex balloons has a positive impact on the environment! Even the Hevea trees that were artificially grown on plantations have a positive effect on the ecosystem, protecting the ozone layer. The global latex balloon industry requires 16 million trees per year; such a number of trees absorb over 800,000 lb. of CO2 gases from the earth's atmosphere annually.
Are latex balloons eco friendly?
Quality latex balloons are made of 100% natural substances and are completely eco-friendly.
The raw material for making latex balloons is the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree. It is extracted in the same way as maple syrup or birch sap: the workers make small cuts in the bark, and then the juice flows into a bucket fixed on the trunk.
Latex is a fully biodegradable material: due to the effect of oxygen on latex, the degradation process begins almost immediately after the balloon is made. Latex balloon facts prove that they can decompose from several months to four years (depending on their quality and the environment: for example, in water, without contact with oxygen, this process proceeds more slowly).
Why do latex balloons lose helium?
Helium gives the balloon an extra lift but can penetrate the smallest pores.
Latex, on the other hand, is just a porous material, and the walls of the balloon are not a serious obstacle for helium molecules. Gradually, the level of gas in the balloon decreases, the balloon's ability to float in the air decreases, and it begins to fall.
Other reasons shorten the life of the balloons: excessive inflation, dust, contact with rough objects, wind, ozone (before a thunderstorm), high or low temperature.
How do you keep latex balloons from deflating?
Start by choosing high-quality balloons with the thickest walls. Tie the balloon tightly. Avoid over-inflating your balloon. Do not leave it in a hot or cold room for a long time, don’t place it near the heating radiators and in direct sunlight. Avoid exposing latex balloons to temperature extremes. Protect the balloons from the strong wind and rain.
Use balloons treated with “Hi-Float”: this significantly extends the life of the balloons (up to several days or even a week).
Are latex balloons dangerous?
Even though there are many fun facts about latex balloons, there are also quite serious questions about the use of such balloons.
Actually, balloons made from natural latex are safe. However, any balloon inflated with helium and released into the air becomes an uncontrollable object that can land anywhere. Popped balloons can end up in wild habitats: fish and mammals mistakenly eat latex, which blocks the respiratory and digestive tract.
Balloons can be a potential hazard to small children: for example, it’s quite dangerous to bite an inflated balloon, as its particles can end up in the respiratory tract. Also, the balloon can pop near the child, frightening him.
Latex can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Latex balloons: an affordable joy
Latex balloons are an affordable way to turn any event into a bright celebration and a natural product, the production of which, if used reasonably, has a positive effect on the environment. Balloons Online provides the best balloons for any occasion at prices that make sense. Check us out at balloons.online!
