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Balloons in science kits and play

Why CPSC warns about uninflated and broken balloons.

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Why CPSC warns about balloons

CPSC says: "Of all children's products, balloons are the leading cause of suffocation death, according to CPSC injury data."

Uninflated balloons

CPSC "recommends that parents and guardians do not allow children under the age of eight to play with uninflated balloons without supervision."

Broken balloons

CPSC says that if a balloon breaks, it "recommends that parents immediately collect the pieces of the broken balloon and dispose of them out of the reach of young children."

Inflated balloons

CPSC says it "does not believe that a completely inflated balloon presents a hazard to young children."

The label

CPSC's Child Safety Protection Act fact sheet says any latex balloon, or toy or game that contains one, must be labeled. CPSC also says to keep deflated balloons away from children younger than 8.

Balloons. Per CPSC.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Sources: CPSC, CPSC Warns Consumers of Suffocation Danger Associated with Children's Balloons (PDF); CPSC, Child Safety Protection Act Fact Sheet (PDF); CPSC, Toys (Safety Education Center); CPSC, Small Parts Ban and Choking Hazard Labeling.

FAQ

Balloons can come in science kits. CPSC's balloon warnings are about balloons in general.
CPSC lists balloons among items excluded from the small parts ban. Latex balloons carry their own warning under the labeling rule.

General information only, for adults choosing toys for children. We do not test, certify, or rate any product, and we do not say any toy or kit is safe or right for a particular child or age. Before you buy or use one, read the maker's age grade, warnings, and instructions, follow any adult supervision directions, and check for recalls at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Keep small parts, magnets, button and coin batteries, and kit chemicals away from young children. A swallowed magnet, button battery, or coin battery needs medical help right away; do not delay. If you think a child swallowed or touched something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.

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