No More Birthday Balloons?

We all know the funny voice someone gets when they inhale helium, but a British scientist says people shouldn't be laughing. Since helium is lighter than air, when helium is released from balloons we can never get it back. Helium is naturally found in pockets in the earth but the frequent popping of balloons and people inhaling helium the would could run out. What helium's purpose is is to slow atoms down, running refrigerators and conduct MRI scans. Because of the shortage, some scientists have called off experiments that involve helium to try to help conserve the element. Dr. Peter Wothers says the shortage should be blamed on the overuse of helium in birthday balloons. He says this is a serious issue. Helium's more important use is when it is mixed with oxygen in hospitals to help very sick and new born patients breathe. Many other scientists agree with the fact that helium must be used more sparingly and should be limited for birthday balloons.

Before reading this article, I never knew that helium was in a shortage or that the world could run out of helium. I think, even though it might not effect me personally, I think this could change the future. Without helium, hospital patients may not be able to breathe as easily without the mix of oxygen and helium. It is also a weird thought to have that the next generation or the one after that may not ever get to make their voice high and squeaky with birthday balloons.