Please take a moment to read through the following to ensure you are aware of the potential hazards and advice on how to avoid them.
A fully inflated balloon does not present a hazard to young children, however, burst balloons can be exceedingly dangerous, throw away the pieces of a burst balloon immediately. Children can be tempted to chew pieces of latex which can be drawn into the mouth and subsequently block airways.
Latex can also cause allergic reactions ranging from minor skin irritation to anaphylaxis in a small percentage of the population.
Alternatives are available, such as foil balloons and plastic bubble balloons.
Balloon valves are inserted into the neck of latex balloons to create a seal without tying a knot. Please discard immediately and responsibly when balloons have burst and do not allow children to play with an uninflated balloons fitted with a valve, they can present a choking hazard.
Balloon sticks often come in two pieces; a cup which the balloon attaches to and a stick which attaches to the cup. The cup is fairly small and may present a choking hazard if it becomes loose. We would recommend buying a one-piece moulded balloon stick for younger children.
Helium is a natural, non-flammable, non-toxic gas. There is no ecological damage resulting from the use of helium. It can be used safely either inside or outside. However, helium is contained in heavy, pressurised cylinders.
NEVER DELIBERATELY INHALE HELIUM. IT IS AN ASPHYXIATE AND CAN CAUSE SUFFOCATION AND EVEN DEATH.
Helium safety data sheet, www.boconline.co.uk.