Helium – a rare gas, for industry and a proper celebration with balloons

Helium, the second most abundant element in the universe, has an irreplaceable place on Earth. This gas, which is inert and lighter than air, finds application in many fields of human activity, from medicine to celebrations to industry.

Discovery on the Sun and mining on Earth

Interestingly, helium was first discovered on the Sun and only later found on Earth. On our planet, helium occurs mainly in combination with natural gas, where it is obtained through the process of liquefaction. The largest reserves of natural gas with a high helium content are found in the United States.

What is helium?

Helium is a chemical element, denoted by the symbol He. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is completely unreactive. This means that it does not combine with other elements and forms stable atoms. This property is key to its many uses.

Uses of helium

Helium has a wide range of uses, thanks to its unique properties:

  • Balloons and airships: Helium is lighter than air, making it an ideal gas for filling balloons and airships.
  • Diving: Helium-oxygen mixtures are used when diving to great depths, because helium is less soluble in the blood and reduces the risk of decompression sickness.
  • Refrigeration: Helium is used in the production of extremely low temperatures, for example in superconducting magnets or in research in the field of quantum physics.
  • Lasers: Helium is used in some types of lasers.
  • Welding protection: Helium creates an inert atmosphere when welding some metals.
  • Medicine: Helium is used in magnetic resonance imaging and in the treatment of asthma.

What balloons are filled with helium?

Most balloons that are commonly used for celebrations and various events can be filled with helium. The most common types we encounter are:

  • Latex balloons: These Classic round balloons are made of natural or synthetic latex and are very popular due to their color and elasticity. After being filled with helium, they can fly for several hours to several days.
  • Foil balloons: Foil balloons are made of thin foil and have various shapes (numbers, letters, animals, hearts, etc.). Thanks to their material, they last much longer when filled with helium than latex balloons, sometimes even several weeks.
  • Biodegradable balloons: For the environmentally conscious, there are also balloons made of natural materials, such as latex from rubber trees.  These balloons decompose on their own after a certain time and do not burden the environment. The good news is that you will no longer be able to buy non-ecological balloons from a seller in the EU. Unfortunately, this does not apply to e-shops like Alliexpress and Temu, which are not based in the EU and therefore do not have to comply with the regulations. When choosing balloons, it is a good idea to consider several factors: Flight time: If you want your balloons to fly as long as possible, choose foil balloons or special latex balloons with an extended flight time. Size and shape: Balloons are made in different sizes and shapes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs. style="color: #000000;">Color and Print: Balloons are available in a wide range of colors and prints, making it easy to match them to your party theme.

Tip: If you want your balloons to fly as long as possible, store them in a cool environment and avoid direct sunlight.

Helium Shortage Issues

Due to limited supplies of helium and its increasing demand, there are concerns about its shortage. This could affect many industries and sciences. Scientists are therefore looking for new ways to extract and use helium, as well as substitutes for this rare gas.

Helium is a fascinating element that plays an important role in many areas of our lives. Its unique properties make it essential for a number of technologies and industrial processes. Given the limited supply of helium, it is important to find sustainable ways to use it.