Most of us have seen helium balloons gently float into the sky, whether by accident or intentional release. Watching a balloon disappear into the clouds can feel almost tranquil. But what goes up must come down, with serious impacts on the environment.
While airborne, balloons present hazards to aircraft and the electrical grid. Mylar balloons are known to cause power outages and fires when they become entangled in power lines. When balloons lose their buoyancy and come back to earth, they can land miles away from their release site. Balloons and their ribbons persist for a long time in the environment. Mylar balloons are not biodegradable, and latex balloons can last up to four years — plenty of time to do harm.
For communities such as Chicago and Milwaukee, many balloons end up in Lake Michigan, eventually washing up on beaches. The remnants of deflated balloons endanger fish and wildlife, which can get tangled in the ribbons and become unable to move or eat. In some cases, they eat balloons, which interfere with their digestion. Consumption of deflated balloons is a particular hazard for marine animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, which may mistake them for jellyfish.
