Balloons are a very popular toy among children. Due to their low cost, balloons are often used for decoration at parties and events. However, balloons can pose unexpected and dangerous accidents.
Typically, balloons are inflated with hydrogen or helium, both of which are lighter-than-air gases that allow balloons to rise high into the sky.
Of these two gases, helium is safer because it is non-toxic and non-flammable. However, helium is more expensive. Therefore, almost all cheap balloons sold on the market are inflated with hydrogen, which is extremely flammable and very hazardous.
Hydrogen is about 16 times lighter than air, making it the lightest element with a very small molecular structure. As a result, when hydrogen is pumped into a balloon, it can permeate out and potentially explode if exposed to high temperatures. In fact, balloons can burst if they continuously rub against each other.
Do not stand near large clusters of balloons sold on the street, as there is a significant risk of accidents from these clusters. (Illustrative image).
When balloons are fully inflated with hydrogen, they can explode when exposed to significant heat sources such as flames, cigarette butts, or sunlight, leading to a sudden fire and causing severe burns to those nearby.
According to experts, burns caused by exploding balloons rarely lead to deep tissue injuries, but they can cause extensive burns, primarily affecting areas such as the head, face, hands, and neck, which are closest to the balloons. This can leave keloid scars from burns or skin damage that affects aesthetics.
Since it is impossible to know what type of gas is used to inflate balloons sold on the market, the best practice for consumers is not to buy balloons for children to play with and to avoid using balloons for decoration at parties to prevent potential dangerous accidents.
In particular, people should keep their distance from large clusters of balloons commonly sold during holidays, festivals, or events, as these clusters, if inflated with hydrogen, can explode unexpectedly due to friction between the balloons, causing serious injuries to those nearby.
