The helium in balloon gas acts as an asphyxiant and when you inhale, it displaces the oxygen in your lungs
After inhaling helium, the body's oxygen supply can plummet to a hazardous level in a matter of seconds
The misuse of balloon gas can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and death
Inhaling balloon gas too deeply can cause an embolism – that's a blockage of the bloodstream - or even rupture the lungs
Causing considerable concern for the industrial gas industry is the popular notion that inhaling balloon gas is a fun and harmless party trick, which for the reasons outlined is clearly not the case.
This dangerous practice is sometimes even perpetuated by high profile celebrities and media personalities for entertainment value, which the gas industry regards as highly irresponsible.
The best advice is to be gas wise and avoid this type of behaviour as it is not worth risking your life for the sake of a joke.
Here are some things to remember about enjoying balloon gas the right way: