A balloon release involves sending balloons, typically helium or hydrogen-filled, into the atmosphere. Often part of celebrations, memorials, or awareness campaigns, participants watch them ascend. However, this seemingly harmless act negatively impacts the environment and wildlife. This article explores the consequences of balloon releases.
Environmental Pollution
Released balloons descend as litter, polluting diverse ecosystems. Mylar balloons, made from metallic nylon, are not biodegradable and persist indefinitely. Latex balloons, often marketed as “biodegradable,” can take six months to over 15 years to decompose, especially in marine environments. Studies show latex balloons may show no measurable degradation after 16 weeks, acting much like plastics.
Discarded balloons litter terrestrial environments like parks, forests, and beaches. They also end up in aquatic environments, including oceans, lakes, and rivers, carried by wind and currents. Pieces of balloons are among the most common types of waste found on beaches globally. Slow latex degradation and non-biodegradable Mylar mean these items remain a visible and persistent form of pollution.
Danger to Wildlife
Balloon debris poses a direct threat to wildlife, both on land and in water. A primary danger is ingestion, as animals often mistake deflated balloons or fragments for food. Marine animals like sea turtles confuse balloons for jellyfish, a common part of their diet.
When ingested, balloons can cause internal blockages, leading to a painful death from starvation. This risk extends to a wide range of species, including seabirds, dolphins, whales, and farm animals like cows and goats. A 2019 study indicated birds who ingested balloon pieces were 32 times more likely to die than from other plastic debris, making balloon fragments particularly hazardous for seabirds.
Another threat is entanglement, where ribbons, strings, or balloons restrict an animal’s movement. This can lead to injuries, infections, or prevent feeding, escaping predators, or flying. Birds’ feet, wings, and necks can become snared, and marine life can be trapped, potentially leading to drowning.
Infrastructure and Safety Hazards
Beyond environmental and wildlife concerns, released balloons create hazards for infrastructure and public safety. Mylar balloons, with their metallic coating, are electrically conductive. Contact with power lines can cause short circuits, leading to widespread power outages and potential fires.
Power companies report thousands of outages annually due to Mylar balloons. In some service areas, metallic balloons have caused a significant percentage of annual power disruptions, affecting tens of thousands of customers. Released balloons also pose a risk to aviation. While hot air balloons operate under strict safety regulations, smaller, uncontrolled balloons can interfere with aircraft, potentially obstructing pilots’ views or being ingested into jet engines.
Addressing Misconceptions and Promoting Alternatives
A common misunderstanding is that “biodegradable” latex balloons are harmless once released. However, research demonstrates that even latex balloons, despite being natural rubber, undergo a manufacturing process that incorporates chemicals and dyes, significantly slowing their decomposition. These balloons can remain elastic and hazardous for months or years, posing risks to wildlife.
Given these impacts, choosing responsible, eco-friendly alternatives for celebrations or memorials is important. Instead of releasing balloons, consider planting trees or flowers, which provide lasting environmental benefits. Blowing bubbles offers a visually appealing, temporary display that leaves no harmful residue. Other alternatives include using decorative fabric bunting, paper decorations like origami or pinwheels, or creating luminarias with candles or LED lights. For memorials, digital tributes or memorial walks can offer meaningful ways to honor loved ones without environmental harm.