another physics problem...?

Question

You are not harmed by contact with a charged balloon, even though its voltage is very high. Is the reason for this similar to why you are not harmed by the greater than 1000 degrees C sparks from a Fourth of July sparkler?

Answer 1

No definitely not.

The potential difference (PD) between you and balloon is zero while the PD between the balloon and the Earth is significant. So long as you do not become a conductor between the earth and the balloon you safe.

The sparker has a very little mass and therefore store very little energy to raise the temperature of your skin to produce a burn.