helium

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.4% (2 of 491) of reports.

H280 (65.6%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

H281 (35.4%): Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury [Warning Gases under pressure]

P282, P336+P317, P403, and P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 491 reports by companies from 6 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 2 of 491 reports by companies.

There are 5 notifications provided by 489 of 491 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P410+P403</a, and a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/#P410+P403">P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed. In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts. (ERG, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.

· In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Special protective equipment for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Allow substance to evaporate.

· Ventilate the area.

CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.

Personal precautions: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.

Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. /Helium (liquefied, cooled)/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Release to atmosphere.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Hygiene measures: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof if in building. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

· Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids.

65000 [ppm]

230000 [ppm]

400000 [ppm]

Simple asphyxiant /A simple asphyxiant may not be assigned a TLV because the limiting factor is the available oxygen./

2013 Notice of Intended Changes: These substances, with their corresponding values and notations, comprise those for which (1) a limit is proposed for the first time, (2) a change in the Adopted value is proposed, (3) retention as an NIC is proposed, or (4) withdrawal of the Documentation and adopted TLV is proposed. In each case, the proposals should be considered trial values during the period they are on the NIC. These proposals were ratified by the ACGIH Board of Directors and will remain on the NIC for approximately one year following this ratification. If the Committee neither finds nor receives any substantive data that changes its scientific opinion regarding an NIC TLV, the Committee may then approve its recommendation to the ACGIH Board of Directors for adoption. If the Committee finds or receives substantive data that change its scientific opinion regarding an NIC TLV, the Committee may change its recommendation to the ACGIH Board of Directors for the matter to be either retained on or withdrawn from the NIC. Substance: Helium. Withdraw adopted documentation. Refer to Appendix F: Minimal Oxygen Content.

· Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

The liquid may cause frostbite. Asphyxiation.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 120 [Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids. (ERG, 2024)

Respiratory protection Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type AXBEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Handle with gloves.

Eye protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Skin and body protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Personnel protection: Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves and goggles. /Helium compressed; Helium refrigerated liquid/

Use ventilation.

Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety goggles or face shield.

Helium appears as a colorless, odorless, noncombustible gas. Can asphyxiate. Inhalation causes the voice to become squeaky (Mickey Mouse voice). Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. If liquefied, contact of the very cold liquid with water causes violent boiling. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if the liquid contacts water in a closed container. Used in arc welding, to trace leaks in refrigeration and other closed systems and as a lifting gas for lighter-than-air aircraft.

Helium is a colorless odorless gas. It is lighter than air. It is nonflammable and is only slightly soluble in water. It is chemically inert. When shipped as a liquid it is very cold and will solidify all other gases. Contact with the liquid will cause severe frostbite. Liquid helium is used in cryogenic research and as a nuclear reactor coolant.

Gas Vapor; Liquid

Colourless, odourless, non-flammable gas

An inert gas that is colorless and odorless; [ACGIH]

ODOURLESS COLOURLESS REFRIGERATED LIQUEFIED GAS.

Colorless gas

Liquid helium (He-4) exists in 2 forms: He-4 I and He-4 II, with a sharp transition point at 2.174 K (3.83 cm Hg)

Odorless

Tasteless

-268.928 °C

-268.9 °C

-268.9 °C @760 [mm Hg]

No triple point

-272.2 °C

Very slightly soluble in water: at 0 °C, 0.97 mL/100 mL; at 50 °C, 1.08 mL/100 mL

Insoluble in ethanol

In water, 2.50 mg/L at 21 °C

2.5 mg/L @ 21C (exp)

Solubility in water, ml/100ml at 20 °C: 0.86

1.64 g/L

Liquid helium has unique thermodynamic properties ... Refractive index 1,026, density 0.125 and is called a "quantum fluid" because it exhibits atomic properties on a macroscopic scale. Its BP is near absolute zero and viscosity is 25 micropoises (water = 10,000). He II, formed on cooling HE I below its transition point, has the usual property of superfluidity, extremely high thermal conductivity, and viscosity approaching zero.

0.147 @ -270.8°C

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 0.14

Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

1.953 at 20 °C, 0.1 MPa; 1.977 at 20 °C, 20 MPa

0.0 J/kmol

Naturally occurring isotopes: He-3; He-4. Isotopes: He-5; He-6; He-7; He-8; He-9; He-10

Table: Decay Pathways [Table#1637]

Lifting power is 0.93 if hydrogen is taken as 1.00

Inert gas. ... Will form compounds with highly electronegative elements such as O, F, Cl. Cannont be frozen by lowering the temperature at ordinary pressure; no triple point.

Trouton's constant 4.64

Critical temperature 5.2014 K; critical pressure 227.5 kPa; critical density 69.64 kg/cu m. Gas: density at 0 °C (101.3 kPa): 0.17850 kg/cu m, density at normal bp: 16.89 kg/cu m. Liquid: normal bp: -268.926 °C; density at normal bp: 125.0 kg/cu m; heat of vaporization (normal bp): 81.70 J/mol. Two liquid forms exist: He I above approximately 2.2 K; He II below approximately 2.2 K. He II is a superconducting liquid; has very low viscosity; superfluid /(4)He/

Critical temperature 3.324 K; critical pressure 116.4 kPa; critical density 41.3 kg/cu m. Gas: density at 0 °C (101.3 kPa): 0.1347 kg/cu m, density at normal bp: 23.64 kg/cu m. Liquid: normal bp: -269.959 °C; density at normal bp: 58.9 kg/cu m; heat of vaporization (normal bp): 25.48 J/mol /(3)He/

ABSORBED BY PLATINUM; APPROX 98% OF LIFTING POWER OF HYDROGEN; AT SEA LEVEL, 1000 CU FT LIFTS 68.5 LB; VALANCE 0

ACOUSTIC VELOCITY 1300 M/SEC

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for HELIUM (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

electron-phonon coupling

dielectric constant

crystal structure

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Slightly soluble in water.

Not Chemically Reactive

Chemically inert. These substances undergo no chemical reactions under any known circumstances. They are nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. They can asphyxiate.

These substances undergo no chemical reactions under any known circumstances. They are nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. They can asphyxiate. Contact of very cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling of the product and extremely rapid vaporization due to the large temperature differences involved. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquid gas contacts water in a closed container, [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980].

Materials to avoid: Strong oxidizing agents.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Dizziness. Lethargy. Headache. Suffocation.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Other Poison - Simple Asphyxiant

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . Use rapid rewarming techniques if frostbite occurs ... . /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . /Simple asphyxiants and related compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of simulated heliox diving at high altitudes on divers' blood cells, liver functions and renal functions. In this experiment, four divers lived for nine consecutive days in a dual-function high-low pressure chamber, which simulated air pressure at an altitude of 3,000 meters and at a 30-meter depth; an altitude of 4,000 meters and 30-meter depth; and at an altitude of 5,200 meters and 30 meters and 50 meters in depth. Total time underwater was 60 minutes. The subjects breathed heliox (with oxygen at 40% and helium at 60%) during the simulated 30-meter dive from zero altitude to 30 meters and while remaining underwater; they breathed air while ascending from 30 meters to 18. They breathed heliox (with oxygen at 26.7% and helium at 73.3%) in the simulated dive from zero altitude to 50 meters underwater, in remaining underwater and in ascending from 50 meters to 29; air while ascending from 29 meters to 18. Pure oxygen was breathed while ascending from 18 meters to the surface; then air. Results indicated: (1) the correlating indices of routine blood, liver and renal functions, and urine routine were all within normal reference ranges; and (2) the indices tested at other periods of time were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the results at zero-meter level and 3,000-meter level. The study suggests that the heliox diving processes at different high altitudes simulated in this experiment have no significant impact upon divers' blood routine, liver functions and renal functions.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Although helium-related fatalities and concerns about potentially harmful effects of helium use have increased in recent years, virtually nothing is known about the epidemiology of helium inhalation in adolescents. This exploratory investigation examined the prevalence and correlates of helium inhalation in a large sample of at-risk youth. Study participants were 723 Missouri adolescents (M age = 15.5, SD = 1.2) in residential treatment for delinquent behavior. More than one-in-nine (N = 81, 11.5%) adolescents had inhaled helium with the intention of getting high, and one-third (N = 27, 34.2%) of helium users reported they actually did get high when they inhaled helium. Helium users were significantly more likely to be Caucasian, to live in rural/small town areas, and to have histories of mental illness, auditory hallucinations, and alcohol and marijuana use than nonusers. Helium users also reported significantly more current psychiatric distress, suicidality, traumatic life experiences, and antisocial attitudes, traits, and behaviors than nonusers. Helium inhalation was prevalent in this sample and many such users reported getting high while using helium. Helium users had psychosocial profiles similar to those of volatile solvent users, suggesting that they may be at substantial risk for a variety of adverse health outcomes.

/CASE REPORTS/ A 23-year-old man was found on a raised hide in lying position, the head wrapped in a plastic bag connected with a helium gas cylinder by a polypropylene tube. The autopsy did not show any specific findings nor did the routine toxicological analysis reveal significant information regarding the cause of death (BAC 0.9 mg/g, diphenhydramine 0.81 ug/mL in heart serum). For the detection of helium in the lungs, gas samples from both lungs were collected by a method ensuring minimal dilution. Gas analyses were performed using a GC-MS with a split-splitless injector and a headspace syringe. As carrier gas the commonly used helium was replaced by nitrogen. Helium was found in clearly elevated concentrations in gas samples from both lungs. Therefore, suffocation by breathing helium enriched, and thus oxygen deficient atmosphere, can strongly be assumed as the cause of death.

/CASE REPORTS/ Suicide by asphyxiation using helium is the most widely-promoted method of "self-deliverance" by right-to-die advocates. However, little is known about persons committing such suicides or the circumstances and manner in which they are completed. Prior reports of suicides by asphyxiation involving helium were reviewed and deaths determined by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be helium-associated asphyxial suicides occurring between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 were included in a new case series examined in this article. The 10 asphyxial suicides involving helium identified in North Carolina tended to occur almost exclusively in non-Hispanic, white men who were relatively young (M age = 41.1 T 11.6). In 6 of 10 cases, decedents suffered from significant psychiatric dysfunction; in 3 of these 6 cases, psychiatric disorders were present comorbidly with substance abuse. In none of these cases were decedents suffering from terminal illness. Most persons committing suicide with helium were free of terminal illness but suffered from psychiatric and/or substance use disorders.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for HELIUM (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In cats ventilated with He-O2 ventricular beats, during 1 hr after coronary occlusion, were significantly more premature than in cats ventilated with air.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ To determine whether breathing a mixture of 80% He-20% O2 affects the lung pressure-volume (PV) curve, eight anesthetized paralyzed dogs were studied in a volume-displacement plethysmograph. Static PV curves on air were compared with PV curves obtained after equilibration with He-O2. The He-O2 PV curves were significantly shifted upward by an average of 5% total lung capacity. There was no change in compliance, indicating that the shift was due to lung expansion rather than a change in elasticity. Pretreatment of the dogs with cyclooxygenase inhibitors abolished the PV shift with He-O2. Four dogs had PV curves recorded on air and a mixture of O2, SF6, and Ne, a gas mixture with the same density as air but with 45% greater viscosity. The PV curve shift was even greater than observed with He-O2 and could again be virtually abolished with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. These results suggest that breathing a high-viscosity gas mixture results in alveolar duct dilatation due to the release of a prostaglandin bronchodilator. This may need to be taken into account in the analysis of flow augmentation with He-O2.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ The effects of long-term hyperbaric exposure on endocrine organ weight and histology and on epiphyseal-plate width were studied in growing male rats. Six groups of rats were exposed to 21 ATA He-O2 (200 mmHg O2), and six groups were maintained at 1 ATA as room-air controls. Each group contained eight rats. At intervals of of 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12 weeks, one group was decompressed and studied along with a paired control group. Results indicated no changes in pituitary and adrenal gland weights. Testis weights were variable but histology and sperm content were normal. Only the accessory sex organs decreased significantly in weight; however, prostate and seminal vesicle histology were normal. Tibial epiphyseal-plate width was reduced in 21-ATA groups. These results suggest that long-term hyperbaric exposure has little effect on endocrine organs of the rat and observed weight changes are probably related to the reduced body weights.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ The effects of room-air normoxic (22 degrees C +/- 1 degree C), 1.2-ATA He-O2 (400 mmHg PO2, 29.0 degree C +/- 1 degree C), and 21-ATA He-O2 (400 mmHg PO2, 32.5 degrees C +/- 1 degree C) environments were investigated on the activity of drug-metabolizing enzyme systems in rat liver, as monitored by O-dealkylation and N-dealkylation reactions. Continuous exposure of rats to both He-O2 environments for 12 days significantly increased the in vitro activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in liver preparations. The increase in the in vitro O-dealkylation of p-nitroanisole based on product formed X mg protein-1 X 20 min-1 was 32.2% (P less than 0.05) between normoxic animals and those exposed to 1.2 ATA He-O2, and 24.4% (P less than 0.01) in animals exposed to between 1.2 and 21 ATA He-O2. A significant increase of 48.8% (P less than 0.001) was noted between normoxic animals and those exposed to 21 ATA He-O2. Similar differences were noted if the data were expressed on the basis of 200 mg liver wet wt. The N-dealkylation of morphine based on product formed X mg protein-1 X 20 min-1 was significantly increased between animals kept at normoxic and at 1.2-ATA He-O2 conditions (17.6%, P less than 0.05) and between animals kept at normoxic and at 21 ATA He-O2 conditions (28.2%, P less than 0.05). No significant differences for N-dealkylation of morphine were noted between animal groups at 1.2 and those at 21 ATA He-O2 nor between any animal groups for N-dealkylation of cocaine.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for HELIUM (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Helium is a product of the nuclear fusion reactions that are the prime source of stellar energy; it is plentiful in the cosmos. The principal source of helium is certain natural gas fields(1). Except for hydrogen, helium is the most abundant element found throughout the universe(2).

Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Canada. Originally discovered in the sun's atmosphere (1868) and confirmed in the atmosphere of Jupiter.

Abundance in igneous rock of earth's crust: 3X10-3 ppm by weight; concentration in air: 5.24 ppm by volume. Identified in the spectrum of the sun's chromosphere ... Found in natural gas from which it is extracted on a commercial scale. Produced by the decay of radioactive elements: 1 kg uranium in its conversion into 865 g of lead forms 756 L of helium; also produced in nature by the bombardment of berylium, lithium, and other light elements with cosmic rays, x-rays, and high-speed protons and deuterons.

Helium is present at a level of only about 2 nano-moles per kg of seawater. Sources include helium dissolved from the atmosphere and helium that is released from volcanic or hydrothermal activity near the ocean floor(1).

The helium content of the atmosphere is about 1 part in 200,000(1). The content of He-3 and He-4 in the atmosphere is 6.8X10-10 mol% and 5.24X10-5 mol%, respectively. The content of He-4 in atmospheric noble gas is 0.56 mol%(2). The concentration of He-4 in dry air is reported as 5.24 uL/L(3).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of helium is 100 to 999; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 75,526 workers (17,064 of these were female) were potentially exposed to helium in the US(1). Occupational exposure to helium may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where helium is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to helium via inhalation of ambient air and inhalation contact with consumer products containing helium, specifically helium-filled balloons(SRC).

Helium is a product of the nuclear fusion reactions that are the prime source of stellar energy; it is plentiful in the cosmos. The principal source of helium is certain natural gas fields(1). Except for hydrogen, helium is the most abundant element found throughout the universe(2).

Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Canada. Originally discovered in the sun's atmosphere (1868) and confirmed in the atmosphere of Jupiter.

Abundance in igneous rock of earth's crust: 3X10-3 ppm by weight; concentration in air: 5.24 ppm by volume. Identified in the spectrum of the sun's chromosphere ... Found in natural gas from which it is extracted on a commercial scale. Produced by the decay of radioactive elements: 1 kg uranium in its conversion into 865 g of lead forms 756 L of helium; also produced in nature by the bombardment of berylium, lithium, and other light elements with cosmic rays, x-rays, and high-speed protons and deuterons.

Helium is present at a level of only about 2 nano-moles per kg of seawater. Sources include helium dissolved from the atmosphere and helium that is released from volcanic or hydrothermal activity near the ocean floor(1).

The helium content of the atmosphere is about 1 part in 200,000(1). The content of He-3 and He-4 in the atmosphere is 6.8X10-10 mol% and 5.24X10-5 mol%, respectively. The content of He-4 in atmospheric noble gas is 0.56 mol%(2). The concentration of He-4 in dry air is reported as 5.24 uL/L(3).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of helium is 100 to 999; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 75,526 workers (17,064 of these were female) were potentially exposed to helium in the US(1). Occupational exposure to helium may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where helium is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to helium via inhalation of ambient air and inhalation contact with consumer products containing helium, specifically helium-filled balloons(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Release to atmosphere.

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

/GUIDE 120: GASES - INERT (INCLUDING REFRIGERATED LIQUIDS)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids or solids. /Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for HELIUM (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1046; Helium, compressed

UN 1963; Helium, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid)

IMO 2.2; Helium, compressed; Helium, refrigerated liquid

49 045 39; Helium, refrigerated liquid

49 045 40; Helium, compressed

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Non-Flammable Gas

UN Hazard Class: 2.2