Balloons
The first rubber balloons were made in 1824 by a professor to use in experiments with hydrogen. Today balloons are small, rubber bags that are filled with air. They are common for birthday parties and games. There are numerous types of balloons including hot air balloons, helium balloons, and powered balloons. They may float if they are filled with helium. There are three types of balloons: captive, free-floating, and powered.
Captive balloons are anchored to the ground or other solid fixture. They are often used in advertising. Powered balloons are also referred to as blimps. Free-floating balloons are controlled by a pilot, but directed by the wind.
Weather balloons are scientific instruments that report information including air pressure and humidity. According to the National Weather Service, twice a day on every day of the year weather balloons are released at over 900 locations. They fly for about 2 hours. Each balloon can fly as far as 125 miles and soar to over 100,000 feet.
Balloons are used in a variety of ways for fun and to give us information .However, they can also be a hazard. Balloon releases are popular at weddings, funerals, ribbon cuttings, and other celebrations. The balloons soar in all directions. Many end up in the ocean. There various sea animals including sea turtles mistake the balloons for food. Eating the balloon often will kill the animal.
Balloons are also the leading cause of suffocation in children. This occurs in two ways. The first involves accidentally sucking the balloon into the wind pipe when the child was attempting to blow it up. The second way involves putting pieces of broken balloons into your mouth.
Balloons can be a lot of fun, but be careful. Precautions should be made to protect children and household pets from ingesting them.
