Abstract

Helium has historically been used to fill floating balloons. Helium is one of the lightest elements on the periodic table; it is a nobel gas, therefore it is non-flammable, non-toxic and safe for filling this type of decorative balloons. However, helium is expensive and sometimes unavailable, leading to irresponsible vendors, to use hydrogen instead. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element and also allow balloons to float, but it is extremely flammable. Numerous accidents burns and even deaths have been described due to explosion of hydrogen-filled floating balloons. This report leads us to think on the importance of dealing responsibly with such simple, day-to-day actions as children playing with a balloon.