Helium

4.00260

4.00260

275-187-7

206GF3GB41

0603

1046|1963

DTXSID7036402

C85242

Colorless gas|Liquid helium (He-4) exists in 2 forms: He-4 I and He-4 II, with a sharp transition point at 2.174 K (3.83 cm Hg)

V - Various

2804290000

0

0.00000

Helium appears as a colorless, odorless, noncombustible gas. Can asphyxiate. Inhalation causes the voice to become squeaky (Mickey Mouse voice). Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. If liquefied, contact of the very cold liquid with water causes violent boiling. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if the liquid contacts water in a closed container. Used in arc welding, to trace leaks in refrigeration and other closed systems and as a lifting gas for lighter-than-air aircraft.

3.13 g/cm³

-272.2 °C

-268.9 °C

none

H2O: 1.5mg/L

Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.14

Odorless

Tasteless

Naturally occurring isotopes: He-3; He-4. Isotopes: He-5; He-6; He-7; He-8; He-9; He-10|Lifting power is 0.93 if hydrogen is taken as 1.00|Inert gas. ... Will form compounds with highly electronegative elements such as O, F, Cl. Cannont be frozen by lowering the temperature at ordinary pressure; no triple point.|Trouton's constant 4.64|Critical temperature 5.2014 K; critical pressure 227.5 kPa; critical density 69.64 kg/cu m. Gas: density at 0 °C (101.3 kPa): 0.17850 kg/cu m, density at normal bp: 16.89 kg/cu m. Liquid: normal bp: -268.926 °C; density at normal bp: 125.0 kg/cu m; heat of vaporization (normal bp): 81.70 J/mol. Two liquid forms exist: He I above approximately 2.2 K; He II below approximately 2.2 K. He II is a superconducting liquid; has very low viscosity; superfluid /(4)He/|Critical temperature 3.324 K; critical pressure 116.4 kPa; critical density 41.3 kg/cu m. Gas: density at 0 °C (101.3 kPa): 0.1347 kg/cu m, density at normal bp: 23.64 kg/cu m. Liquid: normal bp: -269.959 °C; density at normal bp: 58.9 kg/cu m; heat of vaporization (normal bp): 25.48 J/mol /(3)He/|ABSORBED BY PLATINUM; APPROX 98% OF LIFTING POWER OF HYDROGEN; AT SEA LEVEL, 1000 CU FT LIFTS 68.5 LB; VALANCE 0|ACOUSTIC VELOCITY 1300 M/SEC|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for HELIUM (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.|Slightly soluble in water.

Not Chemically Reactive

Chemically inert. These substances undergo no chemical reactions under any known circumstances. They are nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. They can asphyxiate.|These substances undergo no chemical reactions under any known circumstances. They are nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. They can asphyxiate. Contact of very cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling of the product and extremely rapid vaporization due to the large temperature differences involved. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquid gas contacts water in a closed container, [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980].

0.0 J/kmol

The gas is lighter than air.

2.2

UN 1046

3

R9

S9

MH6520000

Fireproof if in building. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Stable; extremely unreactive.

P41, P403

H280

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.|Release to atmosphere.

Materials to avoid: Strong oxidizing agents.

Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Excerpt from ERG Guide 121 [Gases - Inert]: Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. (ERG, 2016)|Not combustible. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.

|Warning|H280 (70.57%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]|P282, P315, P336, P403, and P410+P403|Aggregated GHS information provided by 566 companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]|P410+P40, and 410+P403

Excerpt from ERG Guide 121 [Gases - Inert]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 121 [Gases - Inert]: Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 121 [Gases - Inert]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids. (ERG, 2016)|Respiratory protection Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type AXBEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).|Handle with gloves.|Eye protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).|Skin and body protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.|Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves and goggles. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/

Not combustible. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Special protective equipment for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.|Use water spray to cool unopened containers.|If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/

Personal precautions: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.|Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. /Helium (liquefied, cooled)/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/|Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/|Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.|Hygiene measures: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/|/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/|/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/|/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for HELIUM (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fireproof if in building. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

The liquid may cause frostbite. Asphyxiation.

Use ventilation.

Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety goggles or face shield.

The helium content of the atmosphere is about 1 part in 200,000(1). The content of He-3 and He-4 in the atmosphere is 6.8X10-10 mol% and 5.24X10-5 mol%, respectively. The content of He-4 in atmospheric noble gas is 0.56 mol%(2). The concentration of He-4 in dry air is reported as 5.24 uL/L(3).

Little evidence of toxic effects from helium therapy in clinical settings. Due to high thermal conductivity, may cause hypothermia in case of prolonged administration.

Helium is a product of the nuclear fusion reactions that are the prime source of stellar energy; it is plentiful in the cosmos. The principal source of helium is certain natural gas fields(1). Except for hydrogen, helium is the most abundant element found throughout the universe(2).|Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Canada. Originally discovered in the sun's atmosphere (1868) and confirmed in the atmosphere of Jupiter.|Abundance in igneous rock of earth's crust: 3X10-3 ppm by weight; concentration in air: 5.24 ppm by volume. Identified in the spectrum of the sun's chromosphere ... Found in natural gas from which it is extracted on a commercial scale. Produced by the decay of radioactive elements: 1 kg uranium in its conversion into 865 g of lead forms 756 L of helium; also produced in nature by the bombardment of berylium, lithium, and other light elements with cosmic rays, x-rays, and high-speed protons and deuterons.|Helium is present at a level of only about 2 nano-moles per kg of seawater. Sources include helium dissolved from the atmosphere and helium that is released from volcanic or hydrothermal activity near the ocean floor(1).|The helium content of the atmosphere is about 1 part in 200,000(1). The content of He-3 and He-4 in the atmosphere is 6.8X10-10 mol% and 5.24X10-5 mol%, respectively. The content of He-4 in atmospheric noble gas is 0.56 mol%(2). The concentration of He-4 in dry air is reported as 5.24 uL/L(3).

Helium is present at a level of only about 2 nano-moles per kg of seawater. Sources include helium dissolved from the atmosphere and helium that is released from volcanic or hydrothermal activity near the ocean floor(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of helium is 100 to 999; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 75,526 workers (17,064 of these were female) were potentially exposed to helium in the US(1). Occupational exposure to helium may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where helium is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to helium via inhalation of ambient air and inhalation contact with consumer products containing helium, specifically helium-filled balloons(SRC).

For use in patients who are not getting enough oxygen into their blood due to blockages in the lungs from pathological conditions or injuries. Suggested potential benefit in upper airway obstruction, in severe asthma, and in exacerbations of COPD/COLD. Helium may be used in place of carbon monoxide during laparoscopic surgeries as it lowers the risk of developing respiratory acidosis in selected patients.

Because of its lower lipid solubility, helium is used by divers to replace nitrogen to prevent nitrogen ... /CNS depression/ at depth. Even at diving gas mixture of 50% helium, divers suffer no adverse effects as long as a normal partial pressure of oxygen is maintained the mixture at depth.|The primary uses of helium are in pulmonary function testing, the treatment of respiratory obstruction, laser airway surgery, as a label in imaging studies, and for diving at depth.|/FORMER USE/ as diluent in anesthetic mixt containing cyclopropane and oxygen, helium decr infammability. However, it is not widely used for this purpose. It has...been employed during open-heart surgery; helium-oxygen mixt are insufflated into lung during cardiopulmonary bypass when ventilation of lung has been discontinued. Helium has antiarrhythmic effect in exptl coronary occlusion which is as yet unexplained...|Divers breathing compressed air are restricted to 45 m depth because of the ... /CNS depressant/ effects of nitrogen and toxic action of oxygen at increased pressures. Substitution of oxygen-helium for compressed air has permitted divers to reach 600 m. However, at depths greater than 160 m, signs and symptoms of the high pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) occur. The objective is to ameliorate the symptoms of pressure-induced high pressure nervous syndrome by the addition of small amt of CNS depressant nitrogen to the oxygen-helium mixt to form the Trimix breathing gas. The results permit the conclusion that divers may be compressed safely to depths as great as 686 m. The technique requires a slow exponential compression over days, with frequent stages lasting 14 hr or more, the use of 5-8% (by vol) nitrogen in Heliox and careful selection of the divers.

HIGH PRESSURE GAS. CAN CAUSE RAPID SUFFOCATION. Store and use with adequate ventilation. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure. Cylinder temperature should not exceed 52C (125F). Close valve after each use and when empty. Use in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet.|Administration of Helium may be hazardous or contraindicated. For use only by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner who is experienced in the use administration of Helium and is familiar with the indications, effects, dosages, methods, and frequency and duration of administration, and with the hazards, contraindications and side effects and the precautions to be taken.

Helium provides lung ventilation and prevents narrowing or collapse in respiratory units. It increases the tendency to laminar flow and reduces the resistance in turbulent flow, leading to more efficient penetration of gases to the distal alveoli, higher minute volumes and improved ventilation.

Respiration|Helium ... is quite insolubility in body tissues.

0.8 seconds

Due to its lower density, helium achieves more effective flow of gas due to lowered resistance to gas flow within the airways and reduces the work of breathing by decreasing the pressure gradient needed to achieve a turbulent flow. Helium has a higher diffusion coefficient for carbon dioxide relative to oxygen thus promotes exhalation of trapped carbon dioxide. This reduces hypercapnia and normalizes pH. Helium increases the coronary collateral circulation and enhances the vasodilatory effects of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary vessels. It is suggested to possess neuroprotective properties. Cardioprotective effects against ischemia are mediated through early and late preconditioning by exposing the myocardial tissues to short ischemic episodes. Studies show that helium is associated with activation of pro-survival signalling kinases and inhibition of the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP).

Impurities /potential/: water, total hydrocarbons as methane; oxygen; nitrogen; neon; hydrogen; and CO/CO2

Excerpt from ERG Guide 121 [Gases - Inert]: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 121 [Gases - Inert]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed. In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2016)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . Use rapid rewarming techniques if frostbite occurs ... . /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of simulated heliox diving at high altitudes on divers' blood cells, liver functions and renal functions. In this experiment, four divers lived for nine consecutive days in a dual-function high-low pressure chamber, which simulated air pressure at an altitude of 3,000 meters and at a 30-meter depth; an altitude of 4,000 meters and 30-meter depth; and at an altitude of 5,200 meters and 30 meters and 50 meters in depth. Total time underwater was 60 minutes. The subjects breathed heliox (with oxygen at 40% and helium at 60%) during the simulated 30-meter dive from zero altitude to 30 meters and while remaining underwater; they breathed air while ascending from 30 meters to 18. They breathed heliox (with oxygen at 26.7% and helium at 73.3%) in the simulated dive from zero altitude to 50 meters underwater, in remaining underwater and in ascending from 50 meters to 29; air while ascending from 29 meters to 18. Pure oxygen was breathed while ascending from 18 meters to the surface; then air. Results indicated: (1) the correlating indices of routine blood, liver and renal functions, and urine routine were all within normal reference ranges; and (2) the indices tested at other periods of time were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the results at zero-meter level and 3,000-meter level. The study suggests that the heliox diving processes at different high altitudes simulated in this experiment have no significant impact upon divers' blood routine, liver functions and renal functions.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Although helium-related fatalities and concerns about potentially harmful effects of helium use have increased in recent years, virtually nothing is known about the epidemiology of helium inhalation in adolescents. This exploratory investigation examined the prevalence and correlates of helium inhalation in a large sample of at-risk youth. Study participants were 723 Missouri adolescents (M age = 15.5, SD = 1.2) in residential treatment for delinquent behavior. More than one-in-nine (N = 81, 11.5%) adolescents had inhaled helium with the intention of getting high, and one-third (N = 27, 34.2%) of helium users reported they actually did get high when they inhaled helium. Helium users were significantly more likely to be Caucasian, to live in rural/small town areas, and to have histories of mental illness, auditory hallucinations, and alcohol and marijuana use than nonusers. Helium users also reported significantly more current psychiatric distress, suicidality, traumatic life experiences, and antisocial attitudes, traits, and behaviors than nonusers. Helium inhalation was prevalent in this sample and many such users reported getting high while using helium. Helium users had psychosocial profiles similar to those of volatile solvent users, suggesting that they may be at substantial risk for a variety of adverse health outcomes.|/CASE REPORTS/ A 23-year-old man was found on a raised hide in lying position, the head wrapped in a plastic bag connected with a helium gas cylinder by a polypropylene tube. The autopsy did not show any specific findings nor did the routine toxicological analysis reveal significant information regarding the cause of death (BAC 0.9 mg/g, diphenhydramine 0.81 ug/mL in heart serum). For the detection of helium in the lungs, gas samples from both lungs were collected by a method ensuring minimal dilution. Gas analyses were performed using a GC-MS with a split-splitless injector and a headspace syringe. As carrier gas the commonly used helium was replaced by nitrogen. Helium was found in clearly elevated concentrations in gas samples from both lungs. Therefore, suffocation by breathing helium enriched, and thus oxygen deficient atmosphere, can strongly be assumed as the cause of death.|/CASE REPORTS/ Suicide by asphyxiation using helium is the most widely-promoted method of "self-deliverance" by right-to-die advocates. However, little is known about persons committing such suicides or the circumstances and manner in which they are completed. Prior reports of suicides by asphyxiation involving helium were reviewed and deaths determined by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be helium-associated asphyxial suicides occurring between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 were included in a new case series examined in this article. The 10 asphyxial suicides involving helium identified in North Carolina tended to occur almost exclusively in non-Hispanic, white men who were relatively young (M age = 41.1 T 11.6). In 6 of 10 cases, decedents suffered from significant psychiatric dysfunction; in 3 of these 6 cases, psychiatric disorders were present comorbidly with substance abuse. In none of these cases were decedents suffering from terminal illness. Most persons committing suicide with helium were free of terminal illness but suffered from psychiatric and/or substance use disorders.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for HELIUM (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Helium

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Dizziness. Lethargy. Headache. Suffocation.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

About 20% in welding; about 17% in purging & pressurizing rockets & spacecraft; about 17% as a research chem; about 8% as a heat transfer agent; about 6% in leak detection; about 6% as a component of synthetic breathing mixtures; about 5% in cryogenic applications; about 4% in chromatography; about 2% as a lifting gas; about 3% in other, misc applications (1975)|Cryogenic applications, 33%; Welding cover gas, 19%; Pressurizing & purging, 18%;|(1987, European) Low temperature technology, 37%; welding, 9%; pressurization and inerting, 7%; diving, 9%; chromatography, 15%; leak detection, 4%; balloons, 8%; heat exchange, 3%; artificial atmospheres, protective gases, 8%|(1997, Europe) Low temperature technology, 36%; welding, cutting, 14%; optical fibers, 8%; breathing mixtures, diving, 6%; analysis, 14%; leak detection, 9%; balloons, 7%; other uses, 6%|For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for HELIUM (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Grades: USP; Technical, 99.995% pure.|Commercial Specifications: Bureau of Mines, 99.997%; BB-H-1168a, 99.995%; MSFC-364, 99.995%; MIL-P-27407, 99.995%; Compressed Gas Association grades - D, 99.995%; E, 99.997; F, 99.999%; G, 99.9999%|Grade A (99.9975% or better).|Table: Helium Specifications (+: total < 1 ppm) [Table#1637]

Computer and electronic product manufacturing|Helium: ACTIVE|Fusion of hydrogen into helium provides energy of hydrogen bomb.|To date, attempts to react helium ... with other elements have failed.|By law all federal agencies are required to purchase their helium from the US Bureau of Mines|Because the helium-4 atom contains an even number of fermions, it is a boson. ... The helium-3 atom contains an odd number of fermions; thus it is itself a fermion.|For more General Manufacturing Information (Complete) data for HELIUM (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The most common technique for measuring the concentrations of noble gases in mixtures are gas-solid chromatography ... and mass spectrometry. /Noble gases/

In cases of death by inert gas asphyxiation, it can be difficult to obtain toxicological evidence supporting assignment of a cause of death. Because of its low mass and high diffusivity, and its common use as a carrier gas, helium presents a particular challenge in this respect. ... /The authors/ describe a rapid and simple gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detection method to qualitatively screen a variety of postmortem biological specimens for the presence of helium. Application of this method is demonstrated with three case examples, encompassing an array of different biological matrices.

Food additives

Food Additives -> FOOD_ADDITIVE; PROCESSING_AID;