California Mylar Balloon Laws and How You're Affected

Heart shaped mylar balloon, on the chopping block to be banned by 2027 in CaliforniaPhoto bySamantha GadesonUnsplash

Sources cited include Patch, Wikipedia, and Balloon HQ

Mylar balloons, often associated with festive occasions like birthdays and holidays, have become a concern for California utility companies. These electricity-conducting balloons can cause power outages, fires, and downed live wires when they come into contact with power lines. As a result, California has taken steps to address this issue.

Some points to consider:

New Law: Assembly Bill 847, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to regulate the use of Mylar balloons in California. Under this law:

Sellers, manufacturers, and distributors of foil balloons must ensure that the balloons meet specific requirements including passing a standard test approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Additionally, the law mandates that all foil balloons sold in California be proven incapable of conducting electricity.

Don’t worry, it’ll be at least four years before these “noncompliant balloons” will be off the market in California.

This may seem like a silly law but metallic balloons cause over a thousand power outages every year, impacting millions of Californians. When these balloons make contact with overhead power lines, they can disrupt electricity supply, start fires, and create safety hazards.

SDG&E recorded more than 700 outages and 28 fires due to metallic balloons from 2015 to 2021. Southern California Edison (SCE) had over 1,100 outages caused by balloons in 2021 alone, affecting 1.6 million customers. In 2022, SCE experienced 802 outages and 97 explosions due to metallic balloons.

Though latex or rubber balloons have their own set of risks, there’s hope in sight for balloon alternatives. SDG&E is collaborating with balloon manufacturer Anagram to develop and test a newer breed of balloons. These balloons will have a similar shiny, metallic appearance but won’t conduct electricity, ensuring a safer celebration.

Until the new balloons are available, please use mylar balloons responsibility and never release them.