| Balloons have been around for ages. The Aztecs are | | | | one-tenth the lifting power of hydrogen, but is a |
| said to have made the first balloons using | | | | much safer gas. The safety feature has made it |
| animals’ bladders for sacrificial purposes. There | | | | possible for helium balloons to be used at of course, |
| are even traces to be found in ancient Egyptian | | | | birthday parties, in parades and floats, at circuses, in |
| drawings of balloons. In France the Montogolfier | | | | window displays, in advertising etc. Nowadays, |
| brothers, Joseph Michael and Eitenne are credited | | | | balloons have an inner lining, which helps to seal in the |
| with the first balloons made with paper and light cloth | | | | helium, and minimizes helium waste, thus aiding |
| in 1783. The rubber balloon was invented by | | | | longetivity. |
| Professor Michael Faraday in 1824, filled with | | | | Balloons are contagious, whenever you see one, you |
| hydrogen and used in his experiments. In 1874, G J | | | | just have to smile. Adults aren’t immune to it |
| Ingram in London invented the latex balloon and mass | | | | either. This inexpensive, fun-filled little airbag will break |
| production was started in 1930s. Thomas Hancock, a | | | | the thickest ice between children and makes for a |
| rubber manufacturer, in 1825 is credited with the toy | | | | great gift and party favour. Nowadays, they come in |
| balloon as it is known and used today. | | | | an astonishing range of shapes, colours and sizes. |
| Earlier balloons used hydrogen for inflating them. | | | | Extensively used in decorations at various parties and |
| However, soon safety concerns were raised and | | | | events, balloons have gained and filled a niche for |
| hydrogen began to be replaced by helium. Helium has | | | | themselves. |