The limited coverage of helium-related issues has bugged me ever since my partner used it to end his life.  Yes, helium is toxic, in the same fashion as carbon monoxide.  When inhaled, it binds up oxygen receptors in the bloodstream. 

The tragic death of a 14-y/o in Oregon (Feb, 2012) is an exception.  In this case, instead of a suicidal teen, it was a party where the helium was a party favor, and the parents have become activists.

I’ve wondered if toxicity is discussed so little, at least in part, to avoid publicizing that it can be used to achieve relatively quick, painless, nonviolent death.

Regardless, I get angry when I see Jimmy Fallon’s show (and others) using it.

The Armenian balloon explosions earlier this month also only hit the weird-news segments.  Over 150 people were hospitalized after hundreds of balloons caught fire above a crowd at a political rally.  Speculation is that they were filled with hydrogen, not helium.  Even though helium is less toxic, though, the question sticks with me: Why do we continue to use a toxic, non-renewable resource as a cheap party icon?