Breathing in helium from a balloon is always a fun game, especially at parties. Helium, unlike other gases, is super light and causes a buff effect on the vocal cords. When inhaled, it passes over the vocal cords at a faster rate than normal air; as a result, they vibrate more rapidly and the pitch of the voice becomes higher. This is a simple trick to do and you only need an inhalation to perceive the change in your voice within seconds. However, remember that inhaling large amounts of helium over a long period can cause lung and brain damage.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Inhale the Helium
Step 1. Hold the balloon in your hand
If it has already been inflated, but its end is not knotted yet, just grab the balloon tightly by the opening so that the gas does not escape. To do this, use your thumb and forefinger to firmly squeeze the sides of the open end.
If the balloon has been inflated and knotted, you will need to make a small hole in its wall for the gas to escape. If so, grab it by the knot
Step 2. Use a needle
Sewing is best for making a small hole. While holding the balloon, use your free hand to insert the needle over the knot; slide it slowly through the wall of the balloon to get a small diameter hole.
- Cover the hole with one finger of the hand holding the knot while pulling out the needle at the same time. In this way, you prevent the helium from escaping the balloon.
- If you don't have a needle available, you can use your teeth or fingernail to make the hole.
Step 3. Breathe out completely
For best results, you need to fill your lungs with as much helium as possible; for this, you need to make room in the lungs. Breathe out as much as you can.
You will know that you have cleared most of the air from your lungs by the time your abdomen retracts
Step 4. Inhale the helium
When you're ready, release your finger grip around the balloon opening and let the gas out. Put your mouth directly on the open end and take a deep breath. A 2-3 second inhalation should suffice.
- If you made a hole, move your covering finger and place your mouth directly on the hole. Inhale deeply until your lungs are full. Perform this movement as if you were breathing normally.
- If you just hold the gas in your mouth, the trick won't work. Helium has to travel through the airways.
Step 5. Talk as usual
Once the gas is inhaled, start speaking and / or singing normally. Due to the low density of helium, sound will travel up the vocal cords at twice the speed of simple air. All this generates a very funny effect on the hue.
- If you don't notice any changes, exhale and try inhaling more helium.
- Remember that the effects of the gas only last a few seconds, so try to take advantage of it!
Part 2 of 3: Acting Safely
Step 1. Ask an adult for more information
Before attempting to inhale helium, consider the risks associated with an adult - a parent or teacher. Both may give you some extra safety advice.
- If you are playing with children, tell them about the risks of inhaling helium, such as lung tissue damage and death.
- If you are supervising kids, make sure they stop play in case they show signs of dizziness, confusion, or can't breathe.
Step 2. Never inhale helium from the cylinder
This gas is even more dangerous if it is inhaled from a pressurized cylinder or tank. Otherwise, you could have a lung laceration or embolism. There have also been cases of asphyxia and heart attack.
This also applies to oxygen cylinders
Step 3. Take just a few inhalations
The human organism constantly needs oxygen. If you inhale helium several times, you eliminate the oxygen that is in the lungs and damage vital organs. For example, the brain is able to function without oxygen for only 5-6 seconds. Inhaling helium for several minutes carries an unnecessary risk.
- If you feel dizzy, stop immediately.
- If you pass out or become unconscious, have them escorted to the emergency room immediately.
Part 3 of 3: Making the Game Even More Fun
Step 1. Write a few sentences
Before you begin, think about several words you want to say in your helium-altered voice. You will only have a few seconds before the pitch returns to normal, so it's worth using short sentences.
Consider saying typical character phrases like Donald Duck. For example, you can say, "Why ?! Why does it all happen to me ?!" or "Sgrunt! Without a penny and a few hours from Daisy's birthday!"
Step 2. Try singing
No game with helium can be said to be complete without singing something. Find a song that you think is funny and give it a try. Memorize the chorus so you don't have to look at your cell phone or note.
An excellent choice is the refrain of "Anima Mia" by the Country Cousins
Step 3. Find something truly original
Whatever you say in the "helium voice" is fun, but try to come up with your own phrase or chorus. If you are a good improviser, show your creativity and rely on your personal experience.
You can watch videos online or ask friends to give you some suggestions. Use these sources of inspiration to create fun sentences
Step 4. Record your voice
In the hustle and bustle of fun you will probably forget what you or your friends are saying. Since you'll want to relive these hilarious moments and keep laughing, make a video!
