The practice of releasing balloons carries unforeseen consequences for the natural world. Once released, balloons descend as litter. This debris poses a substantial threat to a variety of wildlife, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The brightly colored fragments and attached strings can lead to injury, illness, and even death for unsuspecting animals.
The Scale of the Problem
Determining the precise number of animal deaths caused by balloon litter each year is a complex challenge, making a definitive global statistic difficult to pinpoint. The widespread nature of balloon releases, coupled with the vastness of oceans and remote landscapes where debris lands, means many incidents go unobserved and undocumented. However, available data and research findings consistently highlight the significant magnitude of this issue. For instance, the Alliance of the Great Lakes reported finding 18,000 balloons and balloon pieces during beach clean-ups between 2016 and 2018, indicating the prevalence of this type of litter.
Research indicates that balloons are among the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife, alongside plastic bags and bottles. Studies on seabirds have revealed that while soft plastics, including balloons, constitute only a small percentage of ingested debris, they are responsible for a disproportionately high number of deaths. One study of 1,733 seabirds found that balloons, making up just 2% of ingested plastic, were 32 times more likely to be fatal than harder plastics. This underscores that even if the exact number of total animal deaths remains elusive, the problem is widespread and severe.
Mechanisms of Harm
Balloons primarily harm animals through two main mechanisms: ingestion and entanglement. Animals often mistake deflated balloon fragments for food, leading to severe internal problems. Ingesting balloons can block an animal’s digestive tract, preventing nutrient absorption and causing starvation. It can also lead to choking, internal injuries, or a false sense of fullness, compromising survival.
Entanglement occurs when animals become ensnared in balloon strings, ribbons, or the balloons themselves. This can restrict their movement, making it impossible for them to fly, swim, or forage for food. Entanglement can also cause deep lacerations, infections, and even suffocation, leaving animals vulnerable to predators or unable to escape dangerous situations. The combined effect of ingestion and entanglement makes balloon debris particularly hazardous to wildlife.
Animals at Risk
A diverse range of animals, spanning marine and terrestrial environments, are susceptible to harm from balloon litter. Marine animals are particularly vulnerable, as they frequently encounter balloon debris floating in the water. Sea turtles, for example, commonly confuse deflated balloons for jellyfish, leading to fatal ingestion. Latex balloons are a common type found in the stomachs of deceased animals, and are a significant cause of mortality in sea turtles.
Seabirds are also highly impacted, with balloons being identified as the leading cause of death from marine debris-related risks for these species. Dolphins and whales have been documented suffering from both ingestion and entanglement, as ribbons and strings can wrap around their bodies or be swallowed. Beyond marine life, terrestrial animals such as cows, dogs, sheep, and various bird species can also be harmed by balloons landing on land, either by ingesting fragments or becoming entangled.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate the environmental harm caused by balloon litter, responsible alternatives to balloon releases and proper disposal methods are encouraged. Instead of releasing balloons, individuals and groups can opt for eco-friendly celebrations such as blowing bubbles. Planting trees or flowers offers a lasting and beneficial way to commemorate events, contributing positively to the environment.
Other creative alternatives include using jam jar lights, ribbon streamers, or biodegradable confetti made from flower petals or leaves. For balloons already in use, proper disposal is important to prevent them from becoming litter. Deflate balloons by puncturing them and placing them in a secure trash bin. Mylar balloons, which are not biodegradable, should always be disposed of in the trash, while some local facilities may accept latex balloons for recycling after removing non-latex components.