4 min read
Balloon and helium safety
Helium is not flammable and not toxic, but a cylinder is a heavy object under pressure and deserves respect. Here is what actually matters.
Handling a cylinder
Keep it upright and secured. A cylinder that falls can damage its valve, and a damaged valve on a pressurised cylinder is genuinely dangerous. Strap it in the car rather than laying it in a boot.
Store it somewhere cool and ventilated, away from heat sources. Never in direct sun in a car — pressure rises with temperature.
Close the valve when you are not using it, even for a short break.
Never inhale it
Breathing helium displaces the oxygen in your lungs. People have been seriously injured and killed doing it. Balloon gas is not a party trick and it is worth saying so plainly to anyone helping you fill.
Fill in a ventilated space. Helium is not toxic, but in a small sealed room a large release reduces the oxygen available.
Balloons and small children
Uninflated and burst latex balloons are a choking hazard for children under eight. Clear up burst balloons immediately and keep spares out of reach.
Foil balloons conduct electricity. Keep them away from overhead power lines, and weight them so they cannot drift outside.