ballong

Ballong is a flexible, inflatable container that can be filled with air or a lighter-than-air gas to become buoyant or simply occupy space. Ballongs are used in decoration, entertainment, education, and industry. The most common consumer balloon is made of latex rubber; foil balloons, also known as Mylar, are durable and can hold metallic coatings or printed designs. Decorative ballongs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors and are often used in clusters, arches, or sculptures.

When filled with helium, a ballong rises because helium is lighter than air. If filled with ordinary air, the balloon will not rise unless it is tethered. Ballongs can be designed for single use or for repeated inflation. Weather balloons are much larger; they are generally made of latex or synthetic film and carry radiosondes to collect atmospheric data during ascent.

The history of ballooning began in the 18th century with hot-air and hydrogen balloons. In the 19th and 20th centuries, latex party balloons and later Mylar balloons became popular for celebrations and advertising. The term ballong is related to the French word ballon and appears in several languages to denote a balloon.

Environmental and safety considerations include concerns about litter and wildlife hazards from released or discarded balloons. Many areas discourage balloon releases and encourage responsible disposal; some balloons are marketed as biodegradable, but decomposition can still take days to years depending on material and conditions.