The Global Helium Shortage

Helium is a special gas. You cannot see it. But it is very important.

Helium comes from deep under the ground. It takes a very long time to make. When helium goes into the air, it is gone forever. We cannot get it back.

Doctors use helium in hospitals. It helps cool big machines called MRI machines. These machines help doctors see inside your body.

Helium is also used in balloons. But it is not just for parties! Scientists use helium too. Factories use it to make computer chips.

Sometimes there is not enough helium in the world. This is called a shortage. It happens because only a few countries make helium.

Some people think helium is easy to find. This is not true. Helium is rare on Earth. We must use it carefully.