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About balloon blowing kits

Balloon blowing kits allow children to inflate balloons using:

  • a blow-pipe, or tube
  • and a synthetic glue-like substance.

To use these kits, children attach the glue-like substance to the pipe. They then blow through the pipe to form a balloon.

Risks and injuries from the product

If the balloon blowing kit contains benzene, and is swallowed by a child, it’s dangerous because benzene can cause cancer.

Children can choke when playing with deflated or broken balloons or balloons with strings.

Things to look for when buying the product

If a balloon blowing kit contains benzene, this can be inhaled or swallowed by children using the kit. Benzene is a cancer-causing substance.

For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.

Only buy a kit that complies with the balloon blowing kits mandatory standard.

  • Check to make sure benzene isn’t included in the balloon blowing kit you're buying.
  • If you’re not sure if benzene is included in the kit, ask the retailer.

How to use the product safely

  • Throw away any burst balloons to avoid children playing with pieces.
  • Don't provide balloon kits to children who are unable to follow the use instructions.
  • Supervise children playing with balloon-making kits.
  • Don't give inflated balloons to babies or young children or attach them to a cot, pram or stroller.
  • Throw away burst balloons to prevent children playing with the pieces.

Next steps if a product is unsafe

When buying a product, consumers have the right to expect the product is of acceptable quality

Acceptable quality includes that the product is safe, durable and free from defects.

If you bought a product that doesn’t comply with the mandatory standard or is unsafe, you can report it to us.

Report an unsafe product

If a person is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help, call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).