Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 06:22:22 -0600
From: Mark Nilsen <mnilsen@execpc.com>
To: RLBMagic@aol.com
Subject: Re: Helium inhalation, again



RLBMagic@aol.com wrote:

> I'm curious. While there is a proposed mechanism for injury being presented
> below, does anyone know of any statistics showing that this has ever actually
> happened? If so, are there any details available? In other words, how many
> breaths of helium does it take? How many seconds without oxygen? Has it ever
> happened with just one breath of helium?

Actually, it like anything else: in moderation (just to say a funny word or
phrase) it's probably okay. However, who can judge "moderation", let alone
control it? This, incidentally, is exactly the same way kids get high from
sniffing inhalants like Pledge. I work closely with DARE program cops, and
they've told me that in most cases it's not the substance that creates the
"high", but the lack of oxygen that results from inhaling foreign substances.
Same with helium; too much helium, too little oxygen. So it' not an "old wives
tale."

Regards,

Mark