Are hot air balloons a contributor to air pollution?

Paris measures its air pollution from 20 official sites, one of which is a large helium-filled balloon tethered to the ground with a small measuring device strapped to its base. At 9am at ground level, it registers 66,500 particles in a single litre of air; 400ft up, however, it reads 78,000. read more

A hot air balloon works on the principle of hot air rises when surrounding air is relatively cool. Steering makes use of wind direction at different altitudes. A hot air balloon works on the principle of hot air rises when surrounding air is relatively cool. read more

A hot air balloon has three essential parts: the burner, which heats the air; the balloon envelope, which holds the air; and the basket, which carries the passengers. There's also parachute valves, gores, panels, skirt and propane tanks. read more