Is Helium Toxic?

Helium is not toxic – it’s an inert gas that doesn’t react with the body. However, inhaling helium in large amounts or from pressurized tanks can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation. 

In this article, we’ll explore helium’s safety profile in more detail. You’ll learn about:

• Helium’s physical hazards
• Its medical applications
• Proper handling guidelines to follow

Understanding Helium’s Physical Properties and Asphyxiation Risks

Helium is an inert, colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas that doesn’t react chemically with other elements under normal conditions. This chemical inertness means helium doesn’t poison the body.

However, breathing pure helium or high concentrations can be lethal. When inhaled, helium physically displaces oxygen in the lungs, which can create a range of health concerns.

The danger escalates quickly in confined spaces. Oxygen deprivation can cause dizziness and unconsciousness within seconds, followed by death if the situation isn’t remedied quickly.

Breathing from pressurized helium tanks presents additional risks beyond simple asphyxiation. The high pressure can cause gas embolism (bubbles in the bloodstream that can block blood vessels) or even rupture lung tissue.

Occupational Exposure and Safety Protocols

Workers who handle helium regularly need proper training and safety measures to prevent accidents. The gas itself doesn’t trigger toxicity responses in the body or cause long-term health issues through chemical reactions.

Instead, safety concerns focus on maintaining adequate oxygen levels in work environments. You can achieve this by following these safety practices:

• Working in well-ventilated areas: proper ventilation systems are essential in areas where helium is stored or used.
• Using oxygen monitors: warning signs and oxygen monitors should be installed in spaces where helium is present in significant quantities. These devices alert personnel when oxygen levels fall below the safe threshold of 19.5%.
• Wearing personal protective equipment: personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, may be necessary when working with large quantities of helium. It ensures workers have access to breathable air even if helium displaces the surrounding oxygen.

Liquid Helium Hazards

In its liquid state, helium presents different hazards than its gaseous form. This is mainly because of its extremely cold temperatures of approximately -269°C (-452°F).

That’s just 4 degrees above absolute zero (the coldest theoretically possible temperature in the universe where all molecular motion nearly stops).

Contact with liquid helium can cause severe frostbite or cold burns within seconds. Tissue damage from such extreme temperatures can be permanent and may require medical intervention.

The rapid expansion that occurs when liquid helium warms to room temperature can generate tremendous pressure. This expansion can rupture containers if they’re not properly vented.

This is why specialized cryogenic equipment and handling procedures are essential when working with liquid helium. Such equipment includes:

• Insulated containers
• Transfer lines
• Appropriate personal protective equipment

Understand the Dangers of Helium

While helium isn’t toxic, its physical properties can create life-threatening situations through oxygen displacement. Understanding the distinction between chemical toxicity and physical hazards is crucial for safe handling of this widely used gas.

Proper training, ventilation, monitoring, and emergency procedures significantly reduce the risks associated with helium in both industrial and medical settings. When handled appropriately, helium remains a valuable resource across industries despite its potential hazards.

Lawrence Haynes

Currently serving as Marketing Director at WestAir Gases & Equipment in San Diego, CA Lawrence leverages his expertise in industrial gas solutions and equipment marketing. With a proven track record in cross-industry marketing strategy, he brings a specialized experience in content development, marketing automation, and partner relations to the industrial gas sector.