In Irkutsk, gas filled balloons sold widely on the streets in summer were checked, and dangerous fakes from an unknown maker were found. Tests showed they can ignite and explode on contact with fire, releasing toxic combustion products, while they can be safely filled only with helium or a helium air mix. The article explains how to tell legal products from fakes and where to report the sale of dangerous balloons.

A control purchase of gas-filled balloons, which have become very numerous in the city with the onset of summer, was made on Uritsky Street. As specialists explain, the idea to make a balloon purchase was not accidental. Along with well-known products, counterfeit goods from an unknown manufacturer have begun to appear on the streets of Irkutsk. In order to determine exactly what is being sold on the city’s main shopping street, the balloons were sent for inspection to the Irkutsk Region Fire Testing Laboratory.
The results of previous inspections have caused concern among regulatory authorities. As studies show, a counterfeit balloon is a vessel with a thin, easily flammable shell made of polymer material, filled with combustible gas of unknown origin. During field tests, upon contact with an incandescent lamp or open flame, the shell of the product was destroyed and the gas exploded, releasing flames more than a meter high. The balloon burns completely within 15-25 seconds, emitting toxic combustion products.
As specialists note, according to modern safety standards in all countries of the world, only helium or a helium-air mixture is permitted for filling balloons, replacing the previously used explosive hydrogen.
Specialists explain the use of an unknown combustible gas by the relatively high cost of helium. The Consumer Rights Protection Department of the Irkutsk administration warns residents of Irkutsk: in order not to fall for illegal traders, it should be kept in mind that the sale of balloons “from hand” (itinerant trade) is carried out without authorization.
Lawful sellers have a registered sales location and a helium cylinder used to fill the balloons. Moreover, the balloon must have a label with a barcode and the manufacturer’s details. And there is one more difference. Counterfeit balloons lack a check valve at the gas-filling opening. The inlet opening is simply sealed.
The Department of Entrepreneurship and Consumer Market Development of the Committee on Economics of the Irkutsk city administration, in cooperation with federal executive authorities, is taking measures to suppress the trade in dangerous products. If facts of trade in dangerous products are identified, call: 520-208; 520-474.
Based on materials from the press service of the Irkutsk city administration