Why Mylar Balloons are more destructive than you think

Mylar balloons have become a popular decoration for various events and occasions, but their impact on the environment and wildlife is far from festive.

The Impact on Marine Life is one of the major environmental concerns associated with Mylar balloons. The balloons are made of metallic material, and are often mistaken for food by sea creatures such as turtles, whales, and seabirds. When ingested, the balloons can cause blockages in the digestive system, leading to a slow and painful death.

Mylar balloons do not decompose and can take hundreds of years to break down into small pieces. This not only contributes to environmental degradation but also affects the aesthetic beauty of our landscapes.

Their metallic material can pose a significant threat to electrical power lines, causing power outages and even fires. According to a study conducted by the National Electrical Safety Foundation, Mylar balloons were the cause of over 2,000 electrical outages in the United States between 2000 and 2012. The outages were responsible for over 60 million customer-minutes of interruption, costing the industry tens of millions of dollars.

When the balloons are released into the air, they can come into contact with high-voltage electrical lines, causing them to short-circuit. This can cause power outages, as well as pose a significant risk to anyone in close proximity to the electrical lines. In addition, the balloons can cause physical damage to the electrical infrastructure, such as damaged transformers, broken insulators, and even fire.

To avoid this, it is important to dispose of balloons properly. Release the helium from the balloon & then recycle them.

Mylar balloons are a harmful & the balloons pose a danger to marine and land animals and contribute to environmental degradation. Instead of using Mylar balloons for decoration, consider using alternative options such as rubber biodegradable balloons or paper decorations that are better for the environment and wildlife. By making these small changes, we can help protect our planet and its inhabitants for future generations.