Helium

Agent Name
Helium
CAS Number
7440-59-7
Formula
He
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Synonyms
Atomic helium; Helium; Helium-4; O-Helium; p-Helium; [ChemIDplus] UN1046; UN1963
Category
Simple Asphyxiants
Description
An inert gas that is colorless and odorless; [ACGIH]
Sources/Uses
Used as an inert gas in arc welding; Also used in balloons, airships, lamps, electronic tubes, and cryogenic applications; [ACGIH] Also used to replace nitrogen in breathing supply of high-pressure divers and as a coolant for nuclear reactors; [Merck Index # 4630] Also used for leak detection, growing crystals (germanium and silicon), transferring heat, and producing lasers; [Hawley]
Comments
Simple asphyxiant; Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; [ICSC]
Biomedical References
Search PubMed

Exposure Assessment

Explanatory Notes
No TLV because the concentration of oxygen is the important factor; See Appendix F: Minimal Oxygen Content. [TLVs and BEIs]

Adverse Effects

Other Poison
Simple Asphyxiant

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: