Have you ever been to a party and inhaled helium in an attempt to sound like Donald Duck?  If so, you have probably put your life at risk!

Evidence has proven that the inhalation of helium can be fatal, yet thousands of party goers continue to inhale helium thinking it to be incredibly funny rather than life threatening.   The inhalation of helium cuts off a person's supply of oxygen and can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and ultimately death.

Doctors are concerned about the health risk associated with people inhaling helium.  This is a particular problem when people are inebriated and their system is already contending with an outside influence.

According to Consultant Occupational Health Physician, Dr Greg McGroder, "People have not yet realised the extreme danger associated with helium inhalation.    If the concentration of oxygen is decreased below 18% within the human body, symptoms and signs of Asphyxia can occur.    Helium gas can totally displace the available oxygen and if this is maintained for even a few seconds, asphyxia and death can and will occur".

Comedy television and radio programmes often use helium as a device to get laughs.  This portrays helium inhalation as a fun, safe practice when, in effect, it is deadly.   Public figures are influential in the minds of the public and they need to realise that they could either die from helium use or be indirectly responsible for the death of another.