the party's over: peak oil has distracted us from peak helium!

Swelling helium shortage popping party supplies
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | 3:04 PM ET
CBC News

A global helium shortage continues to squeeze stock to notably low levels, deflating business for some party planners and forcing some scientists to stretch modest supplies.

Supplies of helium — which is extracted from natural gas — were first reported to have sunk to record low levels in 2006 as refineries in the U.S., Algeria and Russia reported production problems.

The growing use of MRI machines, which use helium to super-cool magnets, in hospitals around the world is also contributing to the demand.

Retailers have steadily absorbed the rising costs of the gas but now some businesses are reporting access has been cut entirely.

"We were told there's no helium, so that's going to change the face of our business, temporarily if not long term," said Leah Garven, who runs a party decorating business in Saskatoon.

"We've been trying to figure out what we can do with air and still satisfy the customer because let's face it, everyone loves a helium balloon."

Fill the baloons at some political venue, they will rocket skyward.

Shortly after helium was first discovered, various political advisors investigated the suitability of helium as a campaign device. The obvious change in voice quality militated against making the switch from hot air, which remains the politicians' stock device to this day.

I suggest they start using hydrogen in ballons.

I suggest they start using hydrogen in ballons.