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CHEMICALS IN BALLOONS- BALLOON RECALL

4 replies

Worriedmummy8 · 18/08/2026 20:13

Not sure if this is in the right place so forgive me. Just wondered if anyone else has seen the recall for a brand of balloons due to containing higher than the legal limit of cancer causing chemicals. I’ve gotten myself into a complete panic. We always buy our party decorations and balloon arches from eBay. Some of the balloons tested were found to have higher levels. We have 4 kids and they all have a balloon arch every birthday plus balloons on the floor. They usually have 40+ balloons on them (the doorway is really wide). My husband always blows them up because I can’t whilst I sort other decorations. My kids have always played with the balloons too and being little kids we’ve had a few in the mouth. I’m now in an absolute panic because my husband always blows up by mouth and refuses to use a pump. I’m so worried they will get cancer now. Yes I do suffer with anxiety so I’m struggling. I feel like nothing is safe anymore, I’ve already been worried for months about the asbestos in toys. I just wanted my kids to have special birthdays and now I feel like I’ve given my family a death sentence. Anyone have any advice or just a hand hold.

OP posts:
Worriedmummy8 · 18/08/2026 20:20

Just for information the chemicals are n-nitrosamines and n-nitrosatable substances in balloons

OP posts:
DahliaDelights · 18/08/2026 20:50

Not sure what you want from the thread.

You cannot prove or disprove the balloons were or were not the dangerous ones

You cant turn back time to undo the action

Theres no action to take today to reduce the impact if it had happened

I think this is just a case of dont do it again? and move on with your life

Strangers on the internet saying oh it'll be ok... wont make a jot of difference, just move on from it and dont make the same mistake again?

Nameychangington · 18/08/2026 20:58

I have worked with cancer patients for over 20 years, and not one was ever told their cancer was caused by a balloon. Cancer isn't that simple, otherwise 100% of smokers would get lung cancer, which they don't.

Anxiety is totally shit, please get help for yours.

Pinkissmart · 18/08/2026 21:12

Perhaps use paper balloons. More sustainable and less chemicals

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