PARTY BALLOONS FROM EM ART

From birthdays to New Year’s Eve, almost every celebration has balloons. EM ART presents you a special selection of balloons for every occasion. Read more to find out some fun facts about balloons.

Have you ever wondered how were balloons invented?

A balloon is a thin, flexible bag you can inflate. Usually made from rubber latex or foil-coated plastic, EM ART’s party balloons are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and are used for entertainment or decorative purposes.

However, balloons are not exclusive to the party industry. They are also used in various other industries, including:

• Medicine
• Meteorology
• Military technology
• Transportation

More recently, balloons have been used to enable data transmission in regions without broadband connectivity.

There is sometimes confusion between toy balloons and sky lanterns, as both are often categorized together. However, toy balloons are not sky lanterns, which are made of paper stretched over a wire frame and require a flame to float.

 Etymology

The word "balloon" has various origins. It translates to "large ball" in French and "balla" in German. Northern Italians refer to a "bundle-like bunch" as "balla," while the Proto-Indo-European "bhel" means "to blow, swell, or inflate."

The term "balloon" may also derive from the Latin word "ballon."

Origins

The rubber balloon was invented in 1824 by Professor Michael Faraday for his experiments with hydrogen at the Royal Institution in London. Faraday made them by cutting two sheets of sticky rubber and pressing the edges together to seal them. The inside was dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

A year later, rubber manufacturer Thomas Hancock introduced rubber latex balloons to the market, patenting the process of coating molds with rubber or dipping molds into liquid latex in 1830.

In 1847, J.G. Ingram of London began producing what we now consider the prototype of modern toy balloons—made of vulcanized latex derived from trees, which was resistant to temperature changes.

The first modern latex balloon was created by Neil Tillotson, who sold 15 "Tilly Cat" balloons shaped like a cat’s head for the Patriot’s Day Parade in Massachusetts in 1931. During the same decade, manufacturers began mass-producing latex balloons, creating different colors, shapes, and slogans. This was enabled by the development of a method to slow the coagulation of liquid latex, allowing it to be transported worldwide without degradation.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, people discovered how to twist and shape balloons, giving rise to balloon modeling.

In the 1970s, advancements in technology led to the emergence of foil balloons—thin, non-stretchable plastic aluminum balloons that retain their shape better, float longer when filled with helium, and can feature intricate color graphics.

However, balloons appeared long before the 1800s, with variations observed centuries earlier. Interestingly, animals played a significant—and unfortunate—role in the history of balloons.

The Aztecs (1300 to 1521) created balloon sculptures from cat intestines to offer as sacrifices to their gods.

 "The intestines were carefully cleaned, turned inside out, and sewn with a special vegetable thread that adhered to itself when left to dry in the sun, creating an almost airtight seal."

In the late 18th century, two paper manufacturers, Jacques and Joseph Montgolfier, discovered that paper bags filled with air would rise. After experimenting with materials such as paper, fabric, and silk, they conducted a public demonstration of their 35-foot "lighter-than-air" balloon in June 1783, made from fabric lined with paper.

If the sound of a popping balloon scares you, you’re not alone. A popping balloon actually creates a tiny sonic boom! When you make a hole in an inflated balloon, the rapid release of energy or air causes the hole to grow at nearly the speed of sound in rubber.

As this speed exceeds the speed of sound in air, the hole in the balloon breaks the sound barrier, creating a sonic boom.

Balloons were invented in 1824, the same year as the electromagnet.

Pioneer produces nearly one billion Qualatex latex balloons annually.

Helium-filled balloons float because helium is lighter than nitrogen and oxygen, the two main components of air.

For over 80 years, Qualatex balloons have celebrated major events worldwide, from U.S. political conventions to Korean television promotions.

Before releasing balloons, please review the information below

Our latex balloons are biodegradable and decompose as quickly as oak leaves in your yard!

Latex balloons come from rubber trees. Latex is harvested by cutting into the tree’s bark and collecting the latex in a cup.

IMPORTANT!!!

Harvesting latex does not harm trees!

Latex balloons are Earth-friendly! Rubber trees grow in rainforests. Latex harvesting discourages deforestation as latex-producing trees remain intact. A single tree can produce latex for up to 40 years!

Environmental Fact or Fiction?

Misleading reports about balloons harming the environment have appeared in major newspapers and on national TV news programs. Many of these reports contained inaccurate claims made by well-meaning people deeply concerned about Earth’s ecology but lacking factual information.

Most consumers do not have the time or inclination to sift through misinformation disguised as fact—often leading to the negative claim that balloons are bad.

Latex balloons are sometimes confused with plastic items and are linked to the issue of plastic waste. The commonly used phrase “latex balloons and other plastics” is incorrect. Latex is not plastic. It is organic, made from the sap of rubber trees, collected through a harmless tapping process similar to maple syrup.

Moreover, latex balloons are fully biodegradable—the only type of balloon used for professional mass releases. The molecular structure of latex balloons begins to break down upon inflation and accelerates when exposed to sunlight and the atmosphere.

Within three hours, most latex balloons released into the atmosphere rise about five miles, oxidize, freeze, and shatter into spaghetti-like pieces. Once on the ground, gases and microorganisms attack the latex, continuing the natural decomposition process—even in darkness.

Mylar balloons are similar to foil, typically silver, and significantly more expensive than latex balloons. Mylar is a synthetic, metallized plastic/nylon material that can be recycled but is not biodegradable. Therefore, Mylar balloons are never used for releases.

Helium-filled Mylar balloons escape accidentally because their strings break. These incidents seem to decrease due to ongoing brand awareness campaigns promoting decorative weights for securing these balloons.

Tips from EM ART

1. Use only hand-tied latex balloons without plastic attachments.

2. Never release Mylar balloons.

3. Never attach metallic ribbons to helium-filled balloons.

Metallic ribbons and balloons conduct electricity and can come into contact with power lines upon release.

At EM ART, we promote environmentally responsible balloon releases. Following a few simple rules helps ensure the safety of balloon releases.

We always practice the following steps to ensure our balloons are environmentally safe!

• Never tie ANYTHING to balloons that are released. You can write messages on balloons with markers.

• Use only biodegradable balloons. Latex is a natural material made from tree sap.

• Always use fully inflated balloons and release them shortly after filling.

Balloons are a fascinating invention in today’s world. They lighten the mood of both adults and children, creating a joyful atmosphere. Every celebration feels incomplete without balloons.

They have become an integral part of festivities and entertainment. Balloons bring color and fun to every party, celebration, or event! They never go out of trend! We all know that balloons have been a part of our lives since birth, but surprisingly, their history dates back much further! Alongside this rich history are many intriguing facts about balloons, unknown to most of us today.

Some lesser-known facts about balloons that are sure to intrigue you

Around 220 CE, the ancient Chinese invented lanterns to signal messages during military operations. These lanterns had a small opening at the bottom where a small fire was lit. The smoke from the fire helped lift the lantern off the ground and into the air. These were the first ancient balloons!

The rubber balloon, as we know it today, was first discovered by scientist Michael Faraday. Faraday created rubber bags during his experiments, filling them with gas to study them. The rubber was made from two round rubber sheets pressed together. The edges of the sheets were sealed together, creating a bag.

He then lined the rubber bag with flour to prevent it from sticking. When he filled the bag with gas, he noticed it became elastic and began to expand. As it expanded, it became transparent and started rising into the air. A year later, toy balloons were manufactured just as we know them today!

However, rubber balloons were not a new concept. They were miniature versions of large hot air balloons, first launched by scientist Pilatre de Rozier in 1783. These balloons were so large that they could carry passengers. Surprisingly, the first passengers were not humans but a sheep, a duck, and a rooster! The balloon flew for 15 minutes but sadly crashed.

The first human passenger attempt came two months later by two brothers, Joseph and Étienne Montgolfier. The balloon launched from Paris and flew for 20 minutes without crashing. This marked the beginning of hot air balloons!

Two years later, Jean-Pierre Blanchard and his co-pilot John Jeffries were the first to fly a balloon across the English Channel. This was a significant milestone and marked a key moment in balloon history!

Balloons were used during wars! Napoleon used balloons for observation in his battles, and during World War I, the military used them to monitor and track enemy forces.

Helium balloons were even used on other planets! In 1985, the Russian space investigation used helium balloons to transport instruments to measure the atmosphere on Venus!

The popping sound of a balloon is caused by the higher air pressure inside the balloon compared to its surroundings. When the balloon bursts, the air inside rapidly expands, creating a sound wave.

On a positive note for the environment, latex or rubber balloons are biodegradable. They decompose within 6 months to a year. Latex balloons are derived from rubber trees, which continue producing latex. The latex is extracted from the tree bark and collected for use.

Balloons are also used in medicine! A surgical procedure called angioplasty uses small balloons inserted into blocked blood vessels. Once placed, the balloon is inflated to clear plaque buildup and stretch the vessel wall.

Releasing balloons has become a part of many events and celebrations. People love watching balloons float away and fill the sky with color. After release, balloons rise to high altitudes and burst as pressure levels change. The scattered pieces resemble spaghetti as they descend back to Earth.

Hot air balloons cannot fly in the rain! Rainwater accumulates on the top and cools the balloon, requiring additional fuel. It also becomes harder to control the balloon during rain due to the added weight of water, making it somewhat risky.

It’s fascinating how balloon development has come full circle. Balloons may seem like a relatively modern invention, but their variations have existed for centuries. From simple rubber sheets used to contain gases to the balloons we have today, it has been a mesmerizing journey.

Today, balloons are available in such diverse options that someone from the past could hardly imagine it. Their affordability, availability, variety, and ease of use have made balloons successful in the modern world!

Types of Balloons from EM ART

EM ART’s balloons come in various colors. In our stores, you will find balloons of different shapes and sizes to turn your celebration into an unforgettable moment.

Affordable Prices at EM ART

Our balloon prices are accessible and affordable for everyone. You can purchase items at promotional prices, enjoy discounts for bulk purchases, and save up to 70% with wholesale shopping at EM ART stores.

Why Choose EM ART?

Here you will find an abundance of materials to create without limits. You can easily select products using our filtered search to browse new arrivals, top products, and discounted items. We provide expert information on product availability and everything you need to know about your purchase. If you’re seeking inspiration for your projects, visit the EM ART blog. We’ll help you turn your personal and family celebrations into unforgettable moments.

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What Do We Offer?

A Variety of Products

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For years, we’ve been working with individual, small, medium, and large clients. Regardless of the task, we always take a personal approach. We pride ourselves on having a team of young yet experienced specialists who understand the industry’s nuances, allowing them to offer you the most suitable products we provide.

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