The Global Helium Shortage Is Real, but Don’t Blame Party Balloons

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https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/science/helium-shortage-party-city.html

Source:  By Heather Murphy, The New York Times.

Excerpt: ... What happened to the helium? It’s supposed to be one of the most prevalent elements in the universe. ...Part of the problem is that as delightful — and essential — as helium may be, it’s an afterthought for many international businesses. Ninety-seven percent of the world’s helium is produced as a “waste product,” collected while processing natural gas or producing liquefied natural gas.... Longstanding sources of it in the United States, Qatar and elsewhere are currently running low. ...it’s extraordinarily expensive and difficult to store. ...a tiny bit of heat turns it to gas. Even when kept in a cryogenic container, the liquid slowly boils off, .... Store it as gas and it gradually leaks out of most containers....

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