In response to comments who criticise STOMPer Henry for exaggerating the danger of inhaling helium, the STOMPer has cited warnings from various health authorities about the dangers of the seemingly harmless activity.

The STOMPer also asserts that many forms of inhalant or drug abuse started from 'fun' activities.

STOMPer Henry writes:

"What surprises me the most is the casual and persuasive approach about inhaling helium held by some comments which accuses me of been ignorant of helium.

"The focus of my post is to highlight the unguarded helium cylinders within school compound and easily accessible by some abusers. And the act alone of inhaling helium by those young students in the name of fun right within the vicinity of school compound, draws much negative image of what school is all about.

"If the question boils down to the 'innocence' of inhaling helium as fun, I beg to differ on this viewpoint. Let us not forget that many forms of drug, soft-drug, chemical abuses today started from what most of the posters’ comments called 'fun'.

"This persuasive and causal fun soon becomes more 'fun' and if uncontrolled, leads to addiction.

"So, is inhaling helium safe and really just plain fun, not detrimental to oneself? Is it really safe just because it is odourless?

"Just google 'Is inhaling helium safe' or 'helium abuse' and you will find many warnings from various health authorities about the dangers.

"American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that children inhaling helium 'can result in a cerebral arterial gas embolism caused by air bubbles in the bloodstream, which can lead to a temporary stroke. Symptoms include sudden loss of consciousness, nausea, dizziness, seizures, uncontrolled falling, visual disturbances, headaches and asphyxiation.'

"In a report 'Kids who inhale helium may be risking their lives' by Medical Tribune News Service, a 13-year-old boy died from inhaling helium from cylinder tank.

"Emergency room physicians diagnosed the boy with a cerebral gas embolism (the presence of helium gas bubbles in the bloodstream that obstruct circulation) - a temporary stroke caused by air bubbles in the bloodstream. The boy also suffered lung damage caused by rapid, uncontrolled lung expansion.

"Are only children liable? No, even adults can die from inhaling helium as in the case of a 20-year-old man."