Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a balloon?
A balloon is a flexible bag normally filled with a gas, such as helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide or air.

 

How long will my Helium-filled balloons float?
While it's the small size (and hence the"lightness") of the Helium molecule that causes Helium-filled balloons to float, this attribute also creates a pesky problem when trying to keep Helium-filled Latex balloons inflated for long periods of time. Because Helium molecules are so much smaller than the space between the molecules of stretched Latex rubber, Helium will slowly seep out of a Latex balloon directly through the balloon's wall. This is why untreated Helium-filled Latex balloons only stay inflated for a relatively short period of time as compared to air-filled balloons.

On average, untreated 11 inch diameter Helium-filled Latex balloons can be expected to float for about 12-18 hours, and 16 inch diameter Latex balloons will float for up to 24-36 hours after being initially filled (your "mileage" may vary depending on temperature and atmospheric conditions!) Treating the inside of Latex balloons with a water soluble, transparent plastic material called Hi-Float® will greatly help them hold their Helium longer. This product works because its molecular structure (plastic) is much "tighter" than Latex rubber, so it reduces the rate of Helium loss through the Latex balloon's outer wall.

 

Why do balloons go down after a while?
Helium is lighter than air and escapes rapidly. Balloons are porous and unable to lock the helium in. The only way to slow this process down is by coating the balloon with HI-FLOAT.

 

Are Latex balloons safe for children to play with?
Balloons are fun. But, they should also be handled responsibly and discarded with caution if they happen to burst or otherwise reach the end of their brief, but nonetheless enjoyable lifetimes. So, a few words of caution are in order:

WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD --Children under eight (8) years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision is required. Keep all uninflated balloons away from children and discard broken balloons at once. Care should be taken while inflated balloons are near eyes and eye protection is always recommended while inflating balloons. For health and safety reasons, do not inflate balloons by mouth. Inhaling Helium can also result in serious lung injuries and/or suffocation. Do not inhale Helium from a balloon or a Helium tank under any circumstances!

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