About Helium (He)
Helium is the second-lightest and second-most abundant element in the universe, but it's relatively rare on Earth. It's a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert noble gas. Helium is unique because it's the only element that cannot be solidified by lowering the temperature at normal atmospheric pressure—it remains liquid even at absolute zero unless under extreme pressure.
What is He?
Helium (He) is a gas used in many applications including party and celebration balloons. Helium is the second-lightest and second-most abundant element in the universe, but it's relatively rare on Earth.
Overview
Helium is the second-lightest and second-most abundant element in the universe, but it's relatively rare on Earth. It's a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert noble gas. Helium is unique because it's the only element that cannot be solidified by lowering the temperature at normal atmospheric pressure—it remains liquid even at absolute zero unless under extreme pressure.
Chemical Information:
- Name:Helium
- Symbol:He
- Formula:He
Applications
Events, Balloons & Entertainment
- •Party and celebration balloons
- •Corporate events and grand openings
- •Advertising and promotional displays
- •Parade balloons and large inflatables
- •Wedding and event decoration
- •Retail balloon programs
Medical & Healthcare Applications
- •MRI machine cooling (superconducting magnets)
- •Respiratory therapy (helium-oxygen mixtures for treating breathing disorders)
- •Cryotherapy and surgical applications
- •Laser surgery cooling
- •Medical equipment testing
Scientific Research & Laboratory Applications
- •Cryogenics and superconducting research
- •Particle accelerators and physics research
- •Space telescope cooling (e.g., James Webb Space Telescope)
- •Laboratory chromatography (carrier gas)
- •Leak detection in high-precision systems
- •Microscopy and analytical instruments
Industrial & Manufacturing Applications
- •Welding (shielding gas for aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium)
- •Fiber optic cable manufacturing
- •Semiconductor and electronics production
- •Metal fabrication
- •Leak detection in pressurized systems
- •Heat transfer applications
- •Aerospace industry (pressurizing fuel tanks, purging)
Diving Applications
- •Commercial deep-sea diving
- •Saturation diving for offshore operations
- •Scientific underwater research
- •Technical recreational diving
Key Facts
Safety Considerations
Important Safety Information
Helium can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces. While non-toxic, breathing pure helium or helium-rich air can cause asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen. Never inhale helium directly from tanks or in enclosed areas.
Despite popular misconception, inhaling helium for the 'funny voice' effect is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. The risk comes from oxygen displacement and the pressure of the gas.
Helium cylinders contain gas under high pressure. Use only approved equipment, never tamper with valves or regulators, and follow proper handling procedures.
Ensure adequate ventilation in areas where helium is used, especially when inflating large quantities of balloons in enclosed spaces.
Store in well-ventilated areas, keep cylinders upright and secured, protect from extreme temperatures, and separate full and empty cylinders.
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