I couldn't believe this when I read it on the beeb, as I regularly give the kids helium balloons!
“The US has been selling off its helium reserve, established in the 1920s to provide gas for airships - but even so, shortages have been occurring.
Some scientists believe a finite resource that could one day run out should not be used for party balloons.
In the universe as a whole, it is one of the commonest elements, second only to hydrogen in its abundance. On Earth it is relatively rare, and one of the few elements that escapes gravity and leaks away into space...
...But helium is unique. When it's gone it is lost to us forever.
BBC News - Is it right to waste helium on party balloons?”
Some scientists believe a finite resource that could one day run out should not be used for party balloons.
In the universe as a whole, it is one of the commonest elements, second only to hydrogen in its abundance. On Earth it is relatively rare, and one of the few elements that escapes gravity and leaks away into space...
...But helium is unique. When it's gone it is lost to us forever.
BBC News - Is it right to waste helium on party balloons?”
erm, no more party balloons for the kids then!
Perhaps stores should stop filling the balloons before they are sold though? How many helium balloons that don't sell are wasted?
