From: "JEZ!" <jez.rose@virgin.net>
To: "BalloonHQ" <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Breathing Helium - this needs reading.
Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 15:38:19 +0100

I just got an e-mail (I've had problems with my ISP) which was sent ages
ago.  I know this thread is long gone but I am writing to stop you all from
being misled.  The information you have been given regarding helium being
okay and "fine" to inhale is extremely dangerous and very misleading.  The
authors of these recommendations stand very tall for being in the direct
line of being sued if they accept responsibility for their recommendations
for misleading and dangerous information.

I am a Medic in the UK, as I believe I have pointed out before.

I think it is about time I stepped in here - inhaling Helium is extremely
dangerous.  As ALL of the gas suppliers will tell you; DON'T DO IT!

The Helium is lighter than air and when inhaled replaces the oxygen in
 your body.  You don't have to be Einstein to realise that without
sufficient
oxygen you will die.  The inhaled Helium replaces the oxygen in your brain.

Inhaled over a period of time, your blood will thin and for every X% of
helium you breathe in (I am not an expert on entertainer gases and helium
is not used in the medical industry all that much) you kill X amount of
cells
in your brain.  The seemingly amusing and innocent party past time of
 inhaling helium can cause black-outs and severe long term damage to your
 vocal chords.  (The helium relaxes the muscles in your voice box and
 trachea, that is why your voice sounds higher, and through extended use,
these muscles will fail to re-contract - not, incidentally, leaving you
with a really high unique clown or entertainer voice - for those that were
going to try it! - but with a very sore throat and odd sounding voice.)

I'm a bit busy at the moment but I thought I would just send this in - if
anyone wants more info. on the effects of helium, try contacting your gas
supplier, or e-mail me, I will be only too, happy to help.




Yours, in the work for a better world,
 Kindest Regards,



 Jez Rose
MBAEA.BdeMSJA.MMCI
 Making Sure Your Event Is A Memorable One. After All...Isn't That The
Objective?



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> > JEZ!, unless specifically stated.
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Jack Finch" <pezzo4balloons@earthlink.net>
> > To: <Balloon@balloonhq.com>
> > Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 4:00 AM
> > Subject: Breathing Helium
> >
> >
> > > Hi all:
> > > When I sell helium balloons the kids often tell me they want to breath
> the
> > > helium. I tell that this is not a good thing to do but I don't know
what
> > > the possible hazards to trying to sound like Donald Duck are. Any
wisdom
> > > out there?