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
newsletter.