Are Foil and Latex Balloons Flammable? (2024)

FAQs

Are Foil and Latex Balloons Flammable? ›

Balloons fall under the category of children's toys and in Europe, there is a legal requirement that requires toys to be tested to regulation EN 71-2 FLAMMABILITY. Foil and latex balloons are not fire-resistant and when exposed to an open flame and will burn. It is important to note that helium is not flammable.

Foil Balloons Are A Fire Hazard.

Please don't leave balloons in a hot car - helium expands in the heat and this could cause your balloons to pop! We recommend that you use air conditioning in your vehicle when transporting balloons on a hot day. If balloons get rained on and start to droop, don't worry – they'll float again when dry.

Latex balloons are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old. If a balloon breaks, collect the pieces immediately and dispose of them out of the reach of children. Shiny foil balloons, commonly known as Mylar balloons, can be a safer choice, but adult supervision is recommended with any type of balloon.

Latex and Mylar are the two types of balloons in general use. Mylar balloons are petroleum-based and not biodegradable, and while latex does biodegrade, the latex balloons contain petroleum-based additives and are therefore not 100% biodegradable.

Foil and latex balloons are not fire-resistant and when exposed to an open flame and will burn. It is important to note that helium is not flammable.

The metallic coating on Mylar balloons conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit or power surge when in contact with power lines. This can lead to large-scale power outages, melting of electrical wires, and fires, leading to possible injuries and property damage.

Heat can balloons pop, but that doesn't mean balloons are a no-go in the summer. There are many tips you can use for summer events. Here's how to prevent balloons from popping in the sun: Slightly underinflate balloons to accommodate for air expansion during the heat.

Here are some tips for latex displays:

Darker colors absorb the sunlight, getting hotter quicker, causing them to have a shorter life span. White balloons show less signs of oxidation, and will reflect the sun's rays thereby lasting longer. Place the display in the shade whenever possible.

- Store at room temperature between 68 to 72 degrees F (20 to 22 degrees C). - Keep balloons away from any heat sources, such as motors and hot water pipes. - Do not store balloons in a vehicle or garage where temperatures fluctuate.

Do foil balloons pop in heat? ›

Here are some facts about foil balloons in the heat and cold: Heat can cause foil balloons to expand and burst: If a foil balloon is left in a hot environment, such as in direct sunlight or near a heat source, the air inside can expand and cause the balloon to burst.

Both latex and Mylar balloons are sensitive to temperature changes, but Mylar balloons are more heat-resistant. Heat prompts the air or helium inside to expand. The balloon can stretch a lot due to this expansion. So, it's important to think about the surroundings when organizing events with lots of balloons.

Helium is an easy way to fill foil balloons, but they don't last quite as long as using regular air.

Foil balloons hold helium well as they are non porous, the helium as a rule escapes from the valve over time as opposed to the outside of the balloon. Due to this foil balloons have a long float time and can keep going for 2 to 3 weeks or more.

Latex balloons are more porous than foils or bubbles but eventually, the molecules of the gas inside will escape and the balloon will deflate. Helium molecules are much smaller than air molecules so can escape through the tiny holes much easier than air molecules.

Latex and foil balloons can be inflated with air; however, they will not float. If you're inflating balloons yourself, good news is you can save your lungpower by using a handheld balloon pump or an electric balloon bump. In general, most air-filled balloons will last for 6-8 weeks.

Foil Balloons - do I fill with air or helium? Some foil balloons are air-fill only and this information is on each item description. Most foil balloons that can be filled with helium can also be filled with air but of course wont float To fill a balloon with air insert a straw into the valve and blow into it.

Foil balloons, in particular, are made from many thin sheets of metal layered atop nylon. Have you ever wished to use air to float a foil balloon instead of helium? If this is the case, the answer is “Yes”! Beautiful foil balloons may be made without the use of helium gas!