EXPERTS have warned party-goers to be aware of the dangers of inhaling helium gas which has led to tragic consequences.
A temporary ‘funny high-pitched, squeaky voice’ may seem harmless, yet there are numerous reports of serious injury and even death caused by helium inhalation.
“Breathing in pure helium can cause death by asphyxiation within minutes as helium displaces the air – including the required oxygen – in lungs creating a dangerous absence of oxygen,” said Royal Bahrain Hospital consultant paediatric Dr Bhramara Madduri. “Don’t inhale from helium balloons as the dangers far outweigh the momentary amusement,” she warned.
Videos circulating on social media appear to encourage its use and some teenagers have even become addicted to the gas.
The majority of serious health issues and deaths involve inhaling helium from a pressurised tank. These are the same tanks used to fill helium balloons at events or at party supply stores.
“Helium is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas that is lighter than air and is famous for its use in balloons, hot-air balloons and air-ships as well as being used in deep cooling techniques,” said Bahrain Society of Chemists member Saeed Aziz. “Due to its inert properties it is used as a protective gas in welding and also in silicon wafer manufacturing processes.”
Mr Aziz
Over a 19-year period, an estimated 2,186 injuries related to helium inhalation were reported in hospital emergency departments in the US, for example. Most of the patients were boys aged between six and 12.
“When used in well-ventilated areas helium is considered safe,” added Dr Madduri. “However, helium-filled balloons – and helium tanks – are extremely widespread party accessories and unfortunately not many people are aware of the possible health consequences and dangers of inhaling helium.
“Inhaling helium is dangerous as when inhaled instead of normal air it’s an asphyxiant – a gas that reduces or displaces the normal oxygen concentration in breathing air – causing the body’s oxygen levels to drop to dangerously low levels – initiating hypoxia.”
Dr Madduri added that generalised hypoxia can cause dizziness, disorientation and abnormal heart function, unconsciousness and even death, while inhaling pressurised helium gas directly from a tank can cause more severe symptoms – such as embolisms or strokes.
Dr Madduri
She revealed that inhaling helium deeply or directly from a gas cylinder can cause a blockage of a blood vessel – which is caused by a gas bubble – while also damaging the lungs with air sacs likely to rupture with death following almost immediately.
“If you experience a drop in blood pressure, have blurred vision, are breathless, losing consciousness, coughing up blood or having seizures you must immediately get to a hospital,” she added.
“These gases should only be used for their intended purposes in well-ventilated areas while ensuring individuals always follow the safety warnings and ensuring children are continuously supervised while playing with balloons.”
Globally, the most recent fatal case involved a 14-year-old American who suffered an embolism from a pressurised tank.
Another case involved the death of a five-year-old boy in the UK who suffocated after placing a large helium balloon over his head and neck.
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