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by Daydreamer on June 17th, 2005

Daydreamer

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Can inhaling helium from a balloon be dangerous?

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  • by kanjalid on June 17th, 2005

    kanjalid

    Although the vocal effect of inhaling helium may be amusing, it can be dangerous if done to excess. The reason is not due to toxicity or any property of helium but simply due to it displacing oxygen needed for normal respiration. One must be aware that in mammals (with the notable exception of seals) the breathing reflex is not triggered by insufficient oxygen but rather excess of carbon dioxide. Unconsciousness, brain damage and even asphyxiation followed by death may result in extreme cases. Also, if helium is inhaled directly from pressurized cylinders the high flow rate can fatally rupture lung tissue.

    Neutral helium at standard conditions is non-toxic, plays no biological role and is found in trace amounts in human blood. At high pressures, a mixture of helium and oxygen can lead to high pressure nervous syndrome; a small proportion of nitrogen can alleviate the problem.

    Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium

    Comments

    • It could also cause an air embolism

      Bryan Branham

      by Bryan Branham on June 18th, 2005

    • Good answer, thanks :-) I was once told that it's dangerous because it closes your windpipe, I guess this isn't true then?!

      Daydreamer

      by Daydreamer on June 21st, 2005

    • great answer

      Lucas_

      by Lucas_ on June 22nd, 2005

    • I don't do this, but I know ppl who have so thanks for sharing it.

      snowflake1556

      by snowflake1556 on October 5th, 2005

    • WELL, THERE GOES MY CHANCES OF HAVING FUN

      Science Whiz

      by Science Whiz on July 14th, 2010

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