Why a Scientist Wants Reduction in Party Balloons
- 11 years ago
A doctor is saying that the world is facing a helium shortage and party balloons are among the reasons.
When was the last time you worried about the shortage of helium?
Well Doctor Peter Wothers, a University of Cambridge chemist and a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, is planning to use this year’s Royal Institution Christmas lectures to bring awareness to the importance of helium.
Holiday parties often contain balloons and some people release them into the sky as a form of tradition. So, the timing of the lectures is the key.
Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of helium and Peter states “If we keep using it for non-essential things like party balloons, where we’re just letting it float off into space, we could be in for some serious problems in around 30 - 50 years time. The gas is hugely valuable.”
Helium is widely used in the scientific community. For instance, it is used in conducting MRI scans. Also, in hospitals, when mixed with oxygen, it makes it easier for sick patients to breathe.
A Research team in the United Kingdom was forced to cancel experiments earlier this year due to a poor supply of helium.
Its shortage also caused Houston's Turkey Day parade officials to panic as they had a hard time finding helium suppliers to fill the popular inflatables.
When was the last time you worried about the shortage of helium?
Well Doctor Peter Wothers, a University of Cambridge chemist and a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, is planning to use this year’s Royal Institution Christmas lectures to bring awareness to the importance of helium.
Holiday parties often contain balloons and some people release them into the sky as a form of tradition. So, the timing of the lectures is the key.
Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of helium and Peter states “If we keep using it for non-essential things like party balloons, where we’re just letting it float off into space, we could be in for some serious problems in around 30 - 50 years time. The gas is hugely valuable.”
Helium is widely used in the scientific community. For instance, it is used in conducting MRI scans. Also, in hospitals, when mixed with oxygen, it makes it easier for sick patients to breathe.
A Research team in the United Kingdom was forced to cancel experiments earlier this year due to a poor supply of helium.
Its shortage also caused Houston's Turkey Day parade officials to panic as they had a hard time finding helium suppliers to fill the popular inflatables.