Latex balloons are an inexpensive way to decorate and to celebrate any festive occasion. With all the colours that latex balloons come in, children are now drawn to them like magnets. As many of you parents already know balloons are a large part of children’s celebrations, especially birthday parties. When receiving a twisted balloon sculpture it can be a fun and unforgettable occasion, however, they can also be a choking hazard for children under 3 years of age.
Balloons are made like candles. A piece of stainless steel is shaped into a long pencil like rod, which is called a form. The form is dipped into liquid latex and pulled back up and set to dry. This procedure is done 7 times to create the thickness of the balloon that can be twisted into all kinds of different sculptures. Most of the balloons you can get from the regular dollar store or department store are only dipped in liquid latex 3 times. This makes them a lot thinner.
The balloons used for sculpturing are dipped in liquid latex 7 times and are the most dangerous of the varied types of balloons because of their thickness. Due to the thickness of this type of balloon, it has one of the biggest choking hazards to all little children under 3 years of age. Sculpturing balloons are so thick that if an animal or a young child gets a piece of the balloon stuck in there throat it may not come out. Even with someone helping them to try to get it out they may require an emergency medical procedure to get the balloon and/or particle out of there throat.
One of our biggest suggestions, in this area involving balloon safety, is common sense. However, common sense doesn't always come naturally to children and the majority of balloon safety information is given with children in mind. In any case, it is sensible to heed this advice regardless of age.
Brightly coloured latex balloons attract the attention of a curious child. Young children may suck or bite into a balloon, and fragments of a popped balloon may end up in a child's mouth and be inhaled or swallowed. A balloon fragment could adhere to and/or cover the child's airway, blocking the breathing passage and causing suffocation. Because latex balloon fragments are sticky, they are often difficult to dislodge, even using the Heimlich maneuver will not be of any help.
Thank you for taking the time to inform your self and protecting your family.
