Although there are some legal issues brought about by helium balloon releases, it is
my understanding that they do not directly apply to small scale launches similar to those we have undertaken. The FAA
restricts the size of the balloon, the weight of the payload, and the maximum number of balloons launched in one
hour. Our launches fall well below the maximums established by law.
There are also environmental concerns with helium balloon releases. The silvery mylar
type balloons are definitely a problem in that the decomposition rate is extremely slow, but research has shown that
the impact of latex balloons is negligible. Latex is a natural substance derived from tree sap and decomposes fairly
quickly when exposed to sunlight, water, and soil. It is my opinion that launching a few latex helium balloons
has a negligible impact on the environment, and believe me, there are at least five-hundred other MAJOR environmental issues
that we should be worrying about instead.
There are several excellent studies on this subject available on the internet. Here are some
links for those interested in this subject:
