Helium balloons and Chinese lanterns could be a danger to Irish wildlife

Mass releases of either helium balloons or Chinese lanterns are becoming increasingly popular at celebrations, fundraisers and other such events, writes Dick Warner. 

However, a call to have them banned has recently been issued jointly by the Irish Wildlife Trust, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, BirdWatch Ireland and the Irish Seal Sanctuary.

At first sight this might seem like a rather killjoy move. However, a bit more research into what actually happens to the balloons and lanterns after they’re released reveals that they pose a real and growing threat to wildlife and, in some cases, to farm livestock.