Latex Balloon F.A.Q

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 Latex Balloons: Frequently Asked Questions

What are balloons made of?

There are basically two types of balloons: Latex balloons and Foil balloons.

Latex balloons are made from the sap of rubber trees – a completely natural substance whereas foil balloons are made from nylon covered in aluminium, which takes much longer to degrade in the environment.

Are latex balloons biodegradable?

Yes. Latex is the product of rubber tree sap, it breaks down when exposed to the elements of nature

How long does it take for a balloon to biodegrade?

Oxidation is the first step in the breakdown of a latex balloon and it begins within approximately one hour of inflation.

Oxidation is visible in some types of balloons as a cloudy appearance. This is most evident when the balloon is exposed to direct sunlight, heat or normal outdoor conditions. Research was carried out in July 1989 with a variety of balloons under various conditions to accurately gauge the time needed for the latex to degrade. Results from this study indicate that the decomposition time for balloons is about the same rate as an oak leaf (6 months).

Information taken from NABAS – The Balloon Association

www.nabas.co.uk