A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hello,this is a weird question but is it real dangerous to breathe in helium from a balloon?Me an my friends did it for a laff but i read on the internet that it can make you really ill.Plz help, i'm worried now.x.x.x.x.
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reader, anonymous, writes (16 July 2008): In response to Lazyguy´s comment. I really don´t think you´re qualified to say that it´s harmless. If you don´t know don´t say anything.
A
male
reader, naloxone  +, writes (16 July 2008):
Yes it´s dangerous. The toxicity of inert gases is still a matter of controversy. Nonetheless, inhalation from a balloon can lead to asphyxiation, lung damage or even death. The deprivation of oxygen may cause syncope (pass out) to compensate. It may also be accompanied by tachypneia (rapid breathing), diminished mental alertness, ataxia (impaired muscular coordination), impaired judgement, paresthesia (sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin), emotional instability, and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration (exhaustion) and loss of consciousness may result. This may then eventually lead to convulsions, coma and death. Nerve tissue is quite susceptible to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) so it can easily cause brain damage as well. Although this doesn´t apply to balloons, contact with the a rapidly expanding gas such as helium in cerain industrial conditions can also lead to frost bite. It´s also important to mention that oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has lead to developmental problems in humans and experimental animals.I suggest being careful.
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A
female
reader, birdynumnums  +, writes (16 July 2008):
 That could just be anxiety, Hunny!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (16 July 2008): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you everyone,
my chest has been a bit tight today but nothing to worry about i dont think:)
cheers :)
xx
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1  +, writes (16 July 2008):
 From what I understand, helium is an asphyxiant. The danger is a lack of oxygen, but it seems to me to be a risk that you needn't take.
One of the other things to consider is where and how the balloons are made. In order for the balloon to be able to expand, most manufacturers add some sort of coating to keep the sides of the balloon from sticking together. I have no idea what they use, but I would expect that it's probably not a great idea to inhale whatever it is they use, as the particles may lodge in your lungs.
So the worry isn't so much about helium, it's about what else is in the balloons. Deep sea divers don't need to worry about this, as their tanks are carefully cleaned and monitored. Well, at least I hope they are.
I have done the inhaling of a balloon to make funny voices too! So I'm not trying to scare you, it's just kind of a good idea not to do it too often. So relax, I'm sure you'll be just fine. But why continue doing something that makes you worried?
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A
male
reader, Jamer70  +, writes (16 July 2008):
 Yes hellium CAN be dangerou. In high quantities very high quantities. In high doses you can get light headed and pass out and in higher doses it can upset your oxygen balance and suffocate you. In High doses mind you
Breathing in hellium from ballons is harmless unless you do a few dozens ballons. So enjoy the high pitched voices just dont do every ballon at the party and if you gell light headed take a brea and sit for a while to get your feet back
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A
female
reader, birdynumnums +, writes (15 July 2008):
It's not a big problem if it is done only once or twice. The effects can leave you feeling dizzy or even make you pass out, but this is a highly unusual response. I understand that it is a bit riskier for anyone who already has breathing problems, like asthma, so if you are on medication for this, helium balloons are something you should pass on. The comical effect lasts just a few minutes, but the gases take a bit more time to get out of your system, an hour or so. Don't worry about it if you did this yesterday, however, Sweety!
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female
reader, O Connor  +, writes (15 July 2008):
 nah unless you breathe tanks of it in everyday! dont worry - everyone does it! your in no danger.
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female
reader, PsyCookie +, writes (15 July 2008):
 It is as dangerous as sounding like a chipmunk.
The only thing that you can get from breathing helium is that you may get dizzy but this is quickly fixed by a quick take of air, something that's proven to be good.
If you ever try getting helium from a pressurized pump, then I hope you just have earned some money because you'll have to pay for the hospital bills.
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A
male
reader, LazyGuy  +, writes (15 July 2008):
 I seriously doubt it.
It is common in the air and is used routinely when diving.
The only thing that can happen is that it can upset the oxygen balance. If you release helium it mixes with the air lowering the oxygen content. Too low and you simply aphyxiate despite their being enough air present.
A balloon isn't going to do that unless you stick your head in it or are in a VERY small space.
The party trick of breathing from a balloon to make your voice sound squaky is perfectly harmless. Deep sea divers do it all the time.
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