Is helium dangerous?

Is Helium Dangerous? Toxic? Flamable?

No, helium itself is not dangerous if used properly and as it is intended to be used.

Read more below for more details on helium and helium safety.

Does it burn or cause fire?

Contrary to popular belief, helium is not flammable. Helium (He), the second element on the periodic table, is a noble gas. This means it does not want to take or give away any of its electrons like most other elements do. It is happy with the number of electrons it has, meaning it is non-reactive!

Therefore, helium does not react in the same way Oxygen or Hydrogen does. Oxygen and Hydrogen can form to create water (H2O) because oxygen needs an electron and hydrogen wants to give one away. Oxygen can react with wood in the presence of heat to form fire because it's highly reactive. Oxygen is what causes aging of our cells, which is why antioxidants in foods have become so popular to slow down the aging process of say, our skin.

Helium doesn't react. You could say, it keeps its calm.

Is it danergous to breath?

Small amounts in the surrounding air as you work is not dangerous at all. If your balloons pop, or you release some helium gas from your helium tank, there is nothing to worry about.

Helium is a non-toxic gas. In fact, some hospitals mix helium in oxygen tanks. The air we breath is nearly 80% nitrogen, and only 20% oxygen. A few spurts of oxygen in the surrounding air is not harmful.

Precautions around helium & helium tanks

There are times when working with helium improperly can cause harm, but this is not due to the helium itself.

Inhaling pure helium (like the helium from your tank) is dangerous. Inhaling pure helium either from balloons or directly from a tank will displace the oxygen your body needs for the moment you are inhaling it. Never inhale pure helium from balloons and especially not from helium tanks.

As well, pressurized helium coming out from helium tanks can severely injure your body and blow out your lungs. This can be fatal.

Also be careful of larger helium tank cylinders, as they are under pressure and very heavy. Ensure they are secured in an upright position so that they do not fall on you or someone around you if they are accidently bumped into. If an active helium cylinder with a valve falls over, the valve can break off, and cause the pressurized gas to force the heavy tank in one direction. Always be careful when using your helium tank.

Below are some images of helium tank stands that work well for large helium tanks.