DON'T LET GO

 

Balloon releases are a popular way to celebrate special events. In one recent Promotion for example, 1.2 million helium‑filled balloons were released into the air.

 

BACKGROUND.

In 1985, an emaciated 174 foot female sperm whale died on the New Jersey coast. When marine scientists examined it, they found a balloon‑with 3 feet of ribbon still attached‑blocking the valve that connected the whale's stomach to its intestines. Because the whale had swallowed the balloon, it was unable to digest food; it was starving.

 

Since then, similar incidents have been recorded‑notably with sea turtles that died after swallowing partly‑deflated latex balloons.

 

UP, UP, AND ASTRAY

 

Balloons released in the Midwest can wind up in the ocean. Recently, a test balloon released in Ohio reached the South Carolina coast in only two days.

 

When balloons land in the water, they quickly lose their color.

 

With ribbons or strings trailing behind them, they look uncannily like jellyfish‑which are among turtles' favorite foods.

 

For some reason, schools of squid‑the sperm whale's favorite food‑congregate around pieces of plastic in the water. When they surround a latex balloon, whales will swallow that, too.

 

Additional hazard: As Mylar (metallic) balloons float into the air, they can get caught in power lines and cause power outages.

 

LOFTY IDEAS

 

If you buy helium~filled balloons, hold onto them‑don't release them into the atmosphere when you're through with them.

 

If your group plans a balloon release, inform people of the potential hazards. Most of us aren't aware that balloons pose a risk.

 

SOURCES

Balloon Alert Project, 12 Pine Fork Dr., Tom's River, NJ 08755.

A small group tledicatetl to stopping mass balloon releases. PublisItes a

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