It was meant to be a celebration, a day filled with cake, candles, and cheerful balloons. But what should have been a joyful birthday turned into unimaginable grief. An eight-year-old Joshua Dunbar from Merseyside lost his life due to a helium balloon. His mother, shattered by the tragedy, now pleads for others to avoid what she calls a “silent killer.” This is not just a one-off accident; it’s a story that raises urgent questions about how everyday toys, often seen as harmless, can carry hidden dangers.
Here are the facts, the risks, and the precautions that can make childhood safer.

Helium balloons are the highlight of birthday parties. Shiny, floating, and shaped like favourite characters or numbers, they seem harmless. The fact: helium is not poisonous. But the truth lies elsewhere; helium is an asphyxiant. When inhaled or when it replaces the oxygen around someone’s face, it can cause suffocation in seconds.

In Joshua’s case, a large number 8-shaped balloon covered his head. Helium filled the space around his face, displacing the air. There was no poison, just the absence of oxygen. And for a child, that’s all it takes.
The tragedy reminds everyone that safety isn't always about sharp edges or fire hazards. Sometimes, it’s about what can’t be seen or smelled.
Popular doesn’t always mean safe
Beyond helium balloons, there are other toys loved by children but known to have hidden risks:

• Magnetic building blocks: Those tiny, shiny magnets that click together can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.


• Slime kits: Some DIY slime products contain borax or other chemicals that irritate skin or cause breathing problems in small children.


• Button batteries: Found in light-up toys and singing birthday cards, these can cause chemical burns if swallowed.


• Balloons in general: Even air-filled ones can be deadly when popped or chewed on—latex pieces are a choking hazard for toddlers.

These toys aren’t banned. They’re sold in markets, gift shops, and online. But not every toy with bright colours and fun shapes is a safe bet.
One common belief is that supervision solves everything. But in many cases, accidents happen in seconds, sometimes even in the next room. The truth is, many toy-related injuries and deaths are “silent.” There’s no warning cry or crash. Just quiet.
Children often mimic adults or follow their instincts. A child may put a balloon over the head out of curiosity or try to imitate a cartoon character. In such moments, no one expects danger. But a toy doesn’t need to be loud or fast to be lethal. It just needs to be unpredictable.