Do not inhale!
Harmless as it may seem, inhaling helium or balloon gas can be dangerous - deadly, in fact.
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When you inhale helium, it displaces oxygen. This means that as you inhale, helium is all your body gets, which can lead to a state of oxygen deprivation within seconds - and here lies the danger.
"What if I'm just inhaling from a balloon?"
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Well, this common party trick, typically thought of as harmless fun, can give you temporary symptoms such as headache, nausea or light-headedness - you might even pass out!
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However, it can also lead to more severe, even life-threatening conditions. These include confusion, asphyxiation, air embolism or bleeding of the lungs - especially if you inhale from a pressurized tank.
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This only shows that helium inhalation can be a pretty risky business - and more often than not, it's simply not worth the risk.
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Want to learn more about helium and balloon gas?
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In order to raise consumers' awareness on the possible health consequences and dangers of inhaling helium or balloon gas, the European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC) has recently launched the "Do not inhale" symbol.
Where can I see this symbol?
You'll discover this symbol mainly on your balloon packaging and other party products packaged with balloons. It applies to both latex and foil balloons.
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look out for the "Do not inhale gas" warning accompanying this symbol. Here's how it looks like:
Want some extra tips on how to safely have fun?
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Here are 5 simple steps to handle balloons safely & responsibly: