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Helium Effects On Breathing

Helium is a colorless gas best known for filling up party balloons. People also jokingly inhale the gas, causing their voices to become distorted and high. This is because sound waves travel faster through helium than air, changing the pitch of your voice. Though humorous for Alvin and the Chipmunks impressions, many may wonder about the effects of helium on breathing.

  1. Helium Facts

    • Helium was discovered during a total solar eclipse.

      Helium, first discovered on the sun, is named for the Greek god of the sun, Helios. In 1868, astronomer Pierre-Jules-César Janssen discovered this yet unknown element while studying the colors of the sun's spectrum during a total solar eclipse. It was first discovered on earth in 1895 by Scottish chemist Sir William Ramsay. The majority of helium used commercially now comes from natural gas wells in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. It is used for inflating balloons and blimps, as well as in superconductors and cryogenic research.

    Health Risks of Breathing Helium

    • Inhaling helium carries several risks since your body can only process the oxygen inhaled into your lungs. Every breath of helium is akin to holding your breath until the next inhalation of normal air. This can cause both minor and major health risks, from dizziness to death.

    Oxygen Deprivation

    • Oxygen deprivation caused by breathing helium can lead to multiple health problems depending on the amount and length of time a person inhales helium. Even just one breath of helium can leave a person feeling dizzy or light-headed. If more is inhaled, a person may even pass out. If even larger amounts are inhaled, the resulting oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage or death.

    Never Inhale Helium From An Air Tank

    • Helium can help make celebrations more festive.

      High pressure air tanks are most commonly used to fill helium balloons. However, you should never inhale from one of these canisters. The pressurized gas, if inhaled, has the potential to rupture a lung and would require immediate medical attention. It also can cause air embolism, the creation of gas bubbles in the bloodstream. These helium bubbles would cause stroke-like symptoms and could also result in death.

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