Home About Writers Categories Recent Issues Subscribe Contact File Transfer





Cindi McCulley
Cindi McCulley, partnering with her brother David Laughlin owns and operates Crimson Creek, a novelty and party supply store. Cindi grew up helping her grandparents run a novelty, and party supply store in Wichita. Between her, and her brother, they have a combined total of over 35 years experience in planning a wide variety of events, such as birthday parties, weddings, graduations, and youth group dinners at church. Cindi was born in Wichita, but now resides in Peck, Kansas. While in Wichita Cindi attended Butler County Community College, and now oversees the daily operations at Crimson Creek Novelties. She can be reached at (316) 264-2533 or visit them @ 222 N. Washington
Specialty Gifts
2004-10-01 10:31:00
Inhaling helium, is it safe?
ANSWER: Helium Inhalation - it's no laughing matter. Many people, (especially teenagers) have been to parties where they inhaled helium because of the laugh they get from the helium affecting their vocal chords and making them sound like Donald Duck. If they feel dizzy at all, it is caused by the oxygen in their system being replaced by the gas. They have probably put their lives 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! This is a particular concern when people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  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 happens for even a few seconds, Asphyxia and death can occur.In 1998, fifteen-year-old Michelle Moreno from Texas died from helium inhalation at a friend's party. Her death caused major headlines regarding the dangers of helium inhalation. Unfortunately there have been few if any headlines in this decade mentioning the dangers of helium inhalation. Comedy television and radio programs often use helium as a device to get laughs. This allows that helium inhalation is a fun, safe practice when, in effect, it can be deadly. Unfortunately with people continuing to ignore the dangers of this potentially lethal practice, it is a difficult task to educate the public that helium inhalation is no laughing matter! Do not hesitate to ask your family physician about the dangers of inhaling anything. The answer will be the same whether it is for helium or any other deadly fumes. Assuming that helium inhalation is safe is no different than assuming the inhalation of gas fumes is safe. Even a little bit can cause serious damage.
 
The Q & A Times Journal accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Thank you.
 
Wildcard SSL Certificates