Introduction

There are people who have some concerns about the impact of promotional balloons on the environment and safety issues of printed promotional items and around the effects of working with latex. However fear is often a derivative of ignorance so becoming knowledgeable enables people to make informed choices. Where there is understanding and information, the mind does not need to fill in the empty spaces with fearful conjecture and catastrophising.

The idea of balloon safety is not really about balloons so much as the materials from which they are made. The mass of balloons are made from latex or natural rubber which is actually a very environmentally friendly product and has been around for decades. More recently foil balloons have been produced that are made from thin non-stretch fabric which is basically metalized plastic film which does not bio-degrade like latex. This type of balloon is invariably filled with helium so that it rises up and is secured with a ribbon so that it doesn’t float away.

So what is Latex?

Balloons have been around for many years and the latex from which modern balloons are made come from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree or as many people know it, the rubber tree. These trees which grow in tropical climes, such as South East Asia, do not need to be cut down to obtain the rubber. The mature trees are tapped regularly by making a Y cut in the bark and placing a small container at the bottom of the Y to collect the milky sap which oozes from the tree. This is the basic latex from which so many different|variable|diverse} goods are made. Latex is a highly sustainable product providing work and income for people in some of the poorest countries in the world.

The management and maintenance of the rubber plantations means there is no deforestation, which helps in the issue of global warming. The trees use carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, which is the opposite process to industrial pollution which contributes to the considerable increase in greenhouse gases. So as a basic resource it is an environmentally friendly, regenerating product.

Uses of Natural Rubber latex (NRL)

Natural Rubber latex (NRL) is used in thousands of everyday items we take for granted in our modern lifestyle. A balloon is just one of many commercial products we recognise as obviously being made from rubber. Some of the more essential items made from NRL are car, lorry, plane and bus tyres which carry us and the essential consumer products we use daily, around the world. necessary items such as underwear elastic and elastic used in fashion day wear, shoe soles, carpets, rubber bands and erasers have been in use for many decades. More recent consumer necessities come in the form of buttons in calculators and remote controls.

Balloon Publicity

Balloons races or balloon releases are a way of generating publicity at major fund raising events. A message or company logo is printed onto the balloons and then released into the sky in large numbers. This is a dramatic sight when thousands of helium filled balloons of different colours rise up into the atmosphere all together.

It is mostly rubber balloons which are inflated using balloon gas so that they float up into the atmosphere.

Rubber balloons inflated with Helium usually only stay afloat for a few hours days if they are not punctured by birds, trees or other sharp objects that they might encounter. The reason is that helium atoms are smaller than the pores in the latex and so gradually seep through and the balloon deflates. To retain the buoyancy and increase the float time of a gas filled balloon the inside can be coated with a special polymer solution which reduces leakage.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

The concerns over the years from the general public have been about the consequence of large numbers of balloons being released into the atmosphere. Naturally some people believe that massed balloons may be harmful to wild, farm and domestic animals and that on landing they may pose a serious hazard through ingestion or entanglement.

However all latex balloons are completely natural coming from the Hevea tree and they break down at about the same rate as oak leaves. Oxidation starts to occur within an hour of a balloon being inflated and during the process of decay, by natural exposure, nutrients are released into the soil. The oxidation is sometimes visible as a cloudy appearance when balloons are exposed to outdoor conditions, direct sunlight and heat. However research shows that latex balloons under varying conditions take about 6 months to decompose so they are even suitable for composting.

Reputable balloon companies should only use bio-degradable latex these days. For example, all balloons produced by B-loony, the UK’s largest manufacturer of printed promotional balloons, are made from bio-degradable latex.

It is estimated that 90/95% of balloons released rise to an altitude of approximately 5 miles at which height the cold will cause the balloon to become brittle and shatter in to miniscule pieces. Balloon remains are unlikely to cause harm on landing, even if ingested, as the latex and the dyes used in latex colouring are non-toxic and completely bio-degradable.

Regulations on Balloon Releases

The UK’s Balloon Trade Association NABAS, is very aware of its responsibilities to the environment and has issued a Code of Conduct for balloon releases giving advice to ensure the protection of the environment. Only natural rubber latex may be used for balloon releases. Balloons must be hand tied and labels attached are required to be recycle-able paper. Plastic valves or wire should not be used.

Any Large balloon event of more than 5,000 balloons requires permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which has to be applied for in writing at least 28 days before the event. The CAA like to be informed also for balloon releases of up to 5,000 balloons.
Source: NABAS The Balloon Association and The European Balloon Council

Printed Balloons

A short time ago I was looking for a balloon which had a 90 printed on it because my grandmother is ninety this week and we are giving her a big celebratory party. However there were no balloons in the store where I was looking, that had any number above 60. Maybe the suppliers of printed balloons don’t think people over 60 want to be reminded of their age. I did think it would be a good idea to have a balloon which could have the number you want attached once it is inflated. They do it with some birthday cards where you buy a separate number and stick it onto the card of your choice.

Significant birthdays are a perfect occasion for printed balloons to be used.

There are a great number of possibilities for the use of helium and printed balloons. They can be used as a marketing tool to deliver a message about a company or event, or to highlight a product launch or marketing campaign. The logo or message is specially printed onto the balloons by the company supplying the service and they will also deliver the balloons to the customer. It is obviously more economical to order large quantities and for balloon releases or races this would not be a difficulty.

Health and Safety for People Working with Latex

People who work with Latex on a frequent basis have to be concerned about the long term effects of exposure to the material. Natural rubber latex is a plant product and as such contains proteins to which some individuals may become allergic. The proteins naturally present in latex may cause allergies either through direct contact with skin or by inhalation of a powder. Latex gloves may be powdered with cornstarch which attach to NRL allergens causing them to be airborne and possibly inhaled when the gloves are used. Those most at risk are health care workers who use latex gloves on a daily basis and those undergoing multiple surgical procedures.

Some people experience irritation to the skin on contact with NRL but it is not a true allergy but rather an irritant contact dermatitis. Sensitised people however may get an allergic reaction when in direct contact with balloons. Other individuals who may have an allergic reaction are people who already suffer with atopic allergic diseases such as hay fever, asthma and some irritant skin conditions or a history of certain food allergies of banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnuts.

If you are prone to any of the above conditions then it is probably not wise to work in a company producing items made from NRL. However cornstarch is not used as a de-tack powder in the manufacture of toy balloons. Instead they are lightly coated with an inorganic filler such as calcium carbonate diatomaceous earth and clays which do not bind to latex proteins. Natural Rubber Latex is a very cost effective material that is widely used throughout the world and for the majority of the population there is no form of clinical risk.

Source: Health & Safety Executive Guidelines 2008 (see www.hse.gov.uk/latex ) TARRC Rubber Consultants Report 2005

Hand held flags are another great low cost promotional product. These are very cost effective and will provide a colourful impact to your event. Because they are made of paper they are bio-degradable and can be made of recycled materials. It is easy to have messages printed on them and you can create your own scheme and effect.

Hand held flags are small rectangles of paper, which can be printed on one or both sides, and mounted on a plastic or biodegradable stick. These paper flags have become particularly popular over recent years because they are colourful, attractive, and can be purchased at unbelievably low prices. Paper flags are more often used today to advertise and promote fund raising projects, special occasions or sporting events. Youngsters particularly enjoy waving flags as part of the crowd during a special event.

To help give the launch of your new product something special promotional flags can be used to mark the occasion and use as promotional giveaways.

Obviously paper flags are a great way to get your promotional message across. They can be printed on one or both sides with the company logo and they can also be used as very economical promotional gifts.

Because paper flags are made from paper and the print area is flat and a set size, it is possible to choose almost any artwork you can think of to customise your event. The quality and finish of the flags is exceptionally high because they are digitally printed. The printing firm will probably have an impressive range of paper flags designs as samples because they usually hold back a few from each print run.

All samples will be from real events ranging from world promotions, product launches, sports teams events or fund raising campaigns and there will be no limit to the number that can be printed. Paper flags are a popular choice for other promotional events such as VIP visits, sales events and advertising. Many football fans carry paper flags with their club logos or colours to advertise their devotion for their favourite club whether it’s the Premier League, the World Championship, or a local cup final.

Foil Balloons

Foil balloons are very attractive with shiny reflective surfaces and can be printed with full colour pictures and patterns to a customer’s order. Foil balloons have the advantage of being lightweight, longer-lasting, with increased buoyancy. They are perfect for eye catching promotions, special celebrations and for product launches.

There are further environmental concerns about the safety of the foil balloon because they don’t biodegrade or shred like rubber balloons. However they are not allowed to be used in balloon releases or races, and need to be carefully disposed of after use. The most important attribute of metalized nylon or foil balloons is its ability to keep the helium gas from escaping for several weeks.

Balloons for Work

Latex balloons are an environmentally friendly product. Not only do they provide entertainment and recreational use bringing pleasure to thousands of children, they are valuable in a work environment for research, medicine, promotion and education.

Balloons are often used for meteorological work and in more recent years they are used in some medical procedures for a variety of conditions such as angioplasty, catheters for weight loss, and sinus procedures. Also balloons are a widely used teaching device to demonstrate Newton’s third law of physics and the functioning of a rocket. Once the balloon is inflated, the mouth of the balloon is released and the greater pressure of air inside, forces its way out so that the elasticity of the balloon contracts and the balloon is propelled forward making a rude noise. This is fundamentally how a rocket works.

Without balloons valuable services could not be performed and the public would be the losers in the long run. Professional quality balloons are made from 100% biodegradable latex.

Conclusion

The concerns about balloon safety primarily arise from the materials of which they are made. Although Latex is a natural substance and has been used for many years without harm, people who work in the arena of manufacture are exposed to some degree of risk and employers will conduct thorough risk assessments . Latex balloons are considered very safe and environmentally friendly, but problems will arise when a balloon is inflated using a plastic valve or with a ribbon attached which are not biodegradable.

There are a number of industry bodies which control and monitor balloon activities on a large scale and health and safety regulations in place for those working in industries manufacturing or using latex. The advantages of having and using latex products, certainly outweighs any perceived dangers of such an environmentally safe material.

MEPHISTO is a company that puts all of the effort into developing the perfect hiking shoes. MEPHISTO has been in the footwear industry for over three decades. MEPHISTO is known for perfection around the world and is one of the leading businesses in France. MEPHISTO footwear are created by a combination of the world’s finest footwear makers and advanced technology.

women’s Mephisto shoes are completely natural compared to most sandals that are synthetic. The sandals are constructed of soft leather, latex, cork and natural rubber and are also handcrafted one sandal at a time to improve perfection. These products are also used to nurture the hygiene of feet. The leathers are chosen and organically treated to ensure optimal internal hygiene. By combining these selected materials with the newest technology, MEPHISTO can meet the optimum standards and perfection for comfort and quality.

Because these shoes are hand made, each individual item is unique. The documentation of MEPHISTO guarantee their authenticity. MEPHISTO Sandals can also be refurbished to new condition by using the same parts used in the original making. The leather uppers are refurbished, the sole, mid-sole, and innersole are removed and replaced, and any needed repair to stitching, buckles or d-rings is performed. There are no shipping fees and the procedure usually takes just a few weeks. Visit your local Mephisto shoes outlet store or go online for details.

MEPHISTO footwear also include Soft-Air Ingenuity. The most popular feature with footwear in comfort. With the Soft-Air, achy feet are no longer a worry. The flexible Soft-Air in the mid-sole reduces the shocks of activity to an total minimum. With the Soft-Air feature, this guarantees the feet are being fully protected, there is comfort to the joints, and most importantly, proper care for the back.

More and more, people are beginning to realize that they need to take care of their bodies. On a daily basis, this means exercise and eating right. But it also means wearing comfortable footwear if you are on your feet for a large part of the day. Mephisto shoes and sandals are a solution, along with many other comfort footwear brands.

There are a plethora of different options and styles of Mephisto men’s sandals. Whether the occasion is casual, dress, or even both, there will be no trouble finding the perfect sandal for your day. With the comfort and style of each of these sandals, there is no reason to take the shoes off midway through an event any longer! No more blisters, achy feet, and back problems due to unsatisfactory of a shoe.

For most of us it’s a great dream to go and retire by the coast. The attractions are abundant and powerful. Amongst them – marvellous views, fresh air & lots of social, cultural & outdoor amenities.

But, on the downside, there are also strong salt laden winds which decimate lawns, kill off lots of other garden plants, cause corrosion on vehicles and anything else made from metal, abrade paintwork and by and large provide a very efficient, source of abrasive material which attacks any moving parts.

In addition there are the high levels of ozone which are great for purifying the air, but unfortunately, they also attack any rubber seals around the house or vehicles.

And finally, because the sand, rocks & water at the coast are much more reflective than many inland or city surfaces, they don’t absorb so much of the ultra violet light which occurs naturally in daylight. Consequently, there’s a much stronger presence of ultra violet light by the coast.

Now, ultra violet light in small regular amounts is actually favourable to our health, like ozone, there’s nothing it appears to like better than attacking any natural rubber parts it can sniff out.

In total this makes clear why rubber Windscreen wiper blades have an even shorter working life than usual when they’re fitted to a vehicle which lives at the coast. The salt particles abrade the rubber and act as grinding particles between the wiper blade and the windscreen. The ozone assaults the rubber all around the clock, whether the Windscreen wiper blades are being used or not, indeed, whether the vehicle is being driven or not. This attack causes the rubber to turn brittle, and its structure to break down. Additionally the higher levels of Ultra Violet light also attack the rubber and exacerbate its stiffening & break down.

Because of the above I invariably suggest Silicone Wiper Blades to everybody living or regularly visiting the seaside, especially people with boats or other interests that take them into closer contact with salt water & coast air. Silicone Wipers are completely impervious to salt, ultra violet and ozone, as well as atmospheric pollution and many solvents contained in cleaning products.

A silicone blade in a classic wiper blade goes a long way to overcoming the problems caused by lifeat the coast. On the other hand, traditional Windscreen wiper blades have a metal frame with joints which are also liable to attack by the salt, causing rapid wear and corrosion of the joints. Therefore the ultimate Windscreen wiper blades for use at the coast would be silicone Flat Blade Wipers, which brings together a one piece jointless frame and a long life silicone blade.