Potentially dangerous balloons with LED lights popular in China

Balloons with LED lights recently became popular with children and young parents in China.

In the past few days, shining balloons were commonly seen in Sanlitun, a shopping center favored by local youngsters, with fancy cuisines and bars, Beijing Youth Daily reported on Tuesday. 

Decorated with LED bulbs and feathers, these balloons stand out in the long existed roadside business in Sanlitun.

However, such balloons are potentially dangerous, since the fillings – most likely hydrogen – are easy to burn or explode when met with fire. Although some vendors claim their balloons are filled with helium, which is much safer, but it can’t be sure.

The balloons cost 35 yuan (5.2 US dollars) each, which are relatively expensive compared with regular ones. However, Internet users apt to pick up the new subject are still willing to buy and post pictures online.

Authorities from City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau of Chaoyang District, Beijing stated they would confiscate the balloons from sellers without a qualification certificate.

Under the regulation published by China Meteorological Administration in 2008, hydrogen should be replaced by inactive gas for the filling of balloons.

A similar balloon product was warned by the EU in March 24, 2017. In that case, the Rapid Alert System for non-food dangerous products (RAPEX) warned that the product from China without a brand "can easily burst and release small parts: Button cell batteries, LED lights and sharp staples which could be swallowed by children and cause damage to organs including the esophagus and the stomach, or choking. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and the relevant European standards EN 62115."

The product was recalled soon after the warning.