That means that when you do inhale it, you are only inhaling helium; there is no oxygen. While a little bit is harmless, when you take in a lot of it, it can be dangerous.
We all know that oxygen is important for all bodily functions; every single organ needs it. With helium, you may be temporarily blocking the oxygen inside the body.
Typically, when you inhale helium from a balloon, besides the change in voice, you may also experience slight dizziness. Then, there are other potential side effects also, like nausea and fainting spell. But, a helium balloon is unlikely to cause major health issues. It is still advisable to exercise precaution, especially when you are letting a child partake in such games. Now, if you are to inhale helium from other sources, say directly from the pressurized tank, you risk putting your health in danger.
It is believed that serious health issues and even death can be caused by taking in helium from a tank. Skip to content. Share this Facebook Twitter Email. Brought to you by The Pulse. The Pulse Go on an adventure into unexpected corners of the health and science world each week with award-winning host Maiken Scott. About Carolyn Beeler Read more. Enter your Email here. This can lead to hypoxia or low oxygen. If you take more than a couple of breaths of helium gas, you could pass out, but unless you hit your head when you fall, you're unlikely to suffer any lasting harm.
You might get a headache and a dry nasal passage. Helium is non-toxic and you'll start breathing normal air as soon as you move away from the balloon. Inhaling helium from a pressurized gas tank, on the other hand, is extremely dangerous. Because the pressure of the gas is much greater than that of air, the helium could rush into your lungs, causing them to hemorrhage or burst. You'll wind up in the hospital or possibly the morgue. This phenomenon isn't exclusive to helium.
Inhaling any pressurized gas can and probably will harm you. Do not attempt to breathe gas from a tank. It would be dangerous to put yourself into a giant helium balloon because you would deprive yourself of oxygen and wouldn't automatically start breathing normal air after you begin suffering the effects of hypoxia. If you see a giant balloon, resist any urge to try to get inside it. Heliox is a mixture of helium and oxygen used for scuba diving and for medicine because it's easier for the lighter gas to pass through obstructed airways.
Because heliox contains oxygen in addition to helium, this mixture does not cause oxygen starvation. Test your knowledge of helium with a quick helium facts quiz. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.
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