Frequently Asked Questions!
Helium is an inert gas, which means that it does not react with other substances.
It has the lowest boiling point of any element at -269C and a low density which is why it is used to make items float.
It is formed when radioactive rocks in the Earth’s crust break down, gathering in pockets of natural gas under the Earth’s surface.
When this natural gas is extracted from deep underground, helium is collected as a by-product.
In 2018, marked 150 years since helium was first discovered, when it was first spotted in the solar spectrum by astrophysicist Pierre Jules Cesar Janssen.
While it may be used to make party balloons float in the air, helium has a range of important functions, including:
- Cooling: One of its main uses is cooling special magnets used in MRI scanners, which provide doctors with detailed images of what’s going on inside patients’ bodies (it was also used to cool missiles and rockets for the military and Nasa after World War Two)
- Flight: Helium is used to make airships and weather balloons float
- Space: It is used to clean rocket engines and pressurise fuel tanks, and in telescopes
- Diving: It is combined with oxygen to create nitrogen-free atmospheres for deep sea divers and those working in pressurised conditions
- Electronics: Helium is used in the production of computer chips, fibre optics and liquid crystal displays, like TV screens
This often happens because there is only a limited amount of helium in the world.
As people have needed it more and more, not only have supplies started to run out, but the cost of existing helium has also increased.
It is estimated that the gas is more than five times more expensive than it was 15 years ago.
Mylar (foil) balloons can float for about 2-3 weeks if kept indoor, climate-controlled conditions.
All our latex balloons are treated with a product called Hi-Float with the purpose of making their float time longer*.
How long do helium balloons last with Hi- Float?
11” regular latex balloons generally last between 6-8 hours filled with helium only, and several days* when treated with Hi-Float**.
*Of course, float times vary depending on where and when your balloons are used.
** Float time data is for indoor, climate-controlled conditions.
*** Float times for pearlized and metallic balloons are about a third less than for regular colored balloons.
(Read more about on the next topic)
Weather and humidity are two important conditions to consider. In low-humidity weather (such as winter), float life will be longest.
Typically, treated balloons float only one-fourth as long in summer as they do in winter because of higher heat and humidity.
In hot weather, keep the balloons in an air-conditioned location so they can dry quickly. In cold weather, keep the balloons in a heated location.
High humidity can interfere with the drying time of balloons and will dramatically reduce a balloon’s float life. A room dehumidifier will also help avoid this problem.
Float time data is for indoor, climate-controlled conditions.
We stand with communities by encouraging that balloons be weighted, not released outdoors, and disposed of properly when broken or deflated. Whether it’s a single balloon or hundreds, let’s keep them from flying away.
Dispose of properly by popping each balloon with a pin or scissors and placing in a trash receptacle.
Because latex balloons are biodegradable, they can actually be composted!
If you have a compost pile or a composting facility near you, this is a great way to dispose of latex balloons.