Not from a balloon. Not from a tank. Not for the high-pitched voice effect. It is not a harmless party trick.It can kill an adult. It will kill a child more quickly.
Helium is a non-toxic, inert gas — but when inhaled, it displaces oxygen in the lungs.
Helium does not stop the body from exhaling CO2, so CO2 levels do not rise, therefore the body’s breathing reflex is not triggered.There is no warning. No choking. No struggle. Loss of consciousness can occur within seconds. Brain damage and death can follow within a minute.
2. Never let a balloon cover a child’s face or head.
Large foil balloons can suffocate, and deflated latex balloons are a choking hazard. Keep helium balloons away from small children when unsupervised, especially as they begin to deflate.
3. Dispose of helium balloons safely once the celebration is over.
A partially deflated balloons left lying around are a hidden hazard. Deflate, cut, and bin. Do not release into the environment
IN AN EMERGENCY
If someone has inhaled helium and loses consciousness, call 999 immediately. If they are not breathing, begin CPR — the 999 operator can talk you through it.
