[Phys-L] Re: inhaling helium

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>]

At 04:37 PM 4/15/2005, you wrote:
> Regarding the speed of sound in different gases, is it safe to inhale
> helium to show this? (I've never tried it.) I've never heard it wasn't
> safe, but a student today told me a friend of his "passed out" while
> attempting this (details are vague). The helium is less dense than air,
> and should easily clear out of your lungs. So it should be relatively
> safe. Right?


Helium is used in some dive gas mixes.
It is rather unreactive, and mobile.
It is not carbon dioxide, however.
So it does not trigger physiological distress etc.,
Like any low oxygen mix - you are
  happy as a sandboy - then you're out like a light.



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!
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