Most of these balloons are those falsely marketed by the balloon industry as “biodegradable latex.” All photos were taken by Balloons Blow on Hutchinson Island, Florida, USA – unless otherwise noted. All photos with citations may be used for education purposes.
Balloons Blow Gallery 4
Latex Balloons
Latex balloons don’t need ribbons or strings to be a danger to wildlife and litter to the environment. These so-called “biodegradable” balloons take months, even years, to degrade.
Latex Balloons
Balloons don’t need strings or ribbons to be dangerous. So-called “biodegradable” latex balloons still pose a threat to wildlife. These balloons are 6 months to 2 1/2 years old.
Latex Balloon
Balloon trash on beach.
Latex Balloon
Latex balloon looking like a jellyfish.
Photo: Wild Singapore
Photo: Wild Singapore
Latex “Squid”
Latex balloons like these with no attachments fit the balloon industry’s "standards," but that doesn’t stop them from returning to earth as deadly litter.
Hutchinson Island, FL
Hutchinson Island, FL
Latex “jellyfish"
Shredded latex balloon.
Latex “squid”
“Scary, how much it resembles my offshore lures.”
Photo: B. Galloway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Photo: B. Galloway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Latex Balloon
More balloon litter on beach.
Latex Balloon
Latex balloon with sea urchin test.
Latex Balloon
Latex balloon with ribbon litters beach.
Latex Balloon
More balloon litter on beach.
Latex Balloon
Nibbled end of a latex balloon.
Latex Balloon
Balloon litter on beach.
Latex Balloon
Latex balloon with cotton swing. Some are led to believe that releasing these types are harmless.
Bit-up latex balloon
Ocean birds and wildlife think latex is food.
Latex Balloon
More latex balloon trash on beach.
Latex Balloon
Shredded latex balloon, looking like a jellyfish.
Latex Balloon
More balloon trash on beach.
Latex Trash
Latex balloon breaking down in the dunes.
Latex Balloon
More latex balloon litter.
Latex Balloon
Balloon trash.
Latex Balloon
Bit up latex balloon on beach.
Latex Balloon
Bit-up latex balloon shred.
Latex Balloon
More balloon litter on beach.