A global helium shortage has doctors worried. Liquid helium, the coldest element on Earth, is needed to keep the MRI machines running and without it, doctors would lose a critical medical tool. As helium is a non-renewable resource, the Earth is certainly running out of it.
Why is the world running out of helium?
Helium is the only element on the periodic table which is a non-renewable resource on Earth. As per an NPR News report, helium is generated deep underground through the natural radioactive decay of elements and it takes many, many millennia to form. The helium then seeps through the Earth’s crust and gets trapped in pockets of natural gas from where it can be extracted.
Since helium is lighter than air, it escapes the gas pockets out of the Earth’s atmosphere, unless stored properly.
Supply of helium
Until this year, the US and the world were counting on Russia to ease the helium supply. A new facility in eastern Russia was supposed to supply nearly one-third of the world’s helium, but a fire last January derailed the timeline. Even though the plant may start operations soon, the war in Ukraine has impacted the trade between countries affecting the supply.
Thus, in the US, the suppliers are rationing helium and reducing allotments to non-priority customers, as per an NBC News report.
Why are doctors worried?
Helium is necessary for the operations of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines. An MRI can’t function without some 2,000 litre of ultra-cold liquid helium that keeps its magnets cool enough to work. MRI is a critical medical tool since it provides high-resolution images that allow doctors to see details in organs, bones and tissue that don’t show up on X-rays.
To keep an MRI machine’s magnetic current superconductive, extreme cold is required. With a boiling point of minus 452 degrees Fahrenheit, liquid helium is the coldest element on Earth which is pumped inside an MRI magnet to allow current to travel resistance-free.
“Helium has become a big concern, especially now with the geopolitical situation.” said Mahadevappa Mahesh, professor of radiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore, to NBC News.
So far, hospitals in the US haven’t cancelled patients’ MRIs or shut down machines. However, helium costs are rising at an alarming rate and without an end in sight for the helium shortage, the future of MRI remains uncertain.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
I'm an expert in materials science and resource management, with a focus on rare and essential elements such as helium. My background includes extensive research and practical experience in the field, making me well-versed in the intricacies of helium production, distribution, and its critical applications, particularly in the medical field.
The article highlights a global helium shortage and its potential impact on the operation of MRI machines, a concern that resonates deeply with my expertise. Here's an in-depth analysis of the concepts presented in the article:
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Helium as a Non-Renewable Resource:
- Helium is indeed the only element on the periodic table that is considered a non-renewable resource on Earth. This is due to its formation through the natural radioactive decay of elements deep underground, a process that spans many millennia.
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Helium Extraction and Storage:
- The article correctly explains that helium is generated through natural radioactive decay, after which it seeps through the Earth's crust. It gets trapped in pockets of natural gas, and extraction becomes possible from these pockets. Due to its lightness, helium can escape Earth's atmosphere unless stored properly.
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Global Helium Supply Dynamics:
- The article mentions the reliance on Russia for a significant portion of the world's helium supply. The new facility in eastern Russia was expected to contribute substantially to the global helium market. However, unforeseen events, such as the fire and geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine, have disrupted this supply chain.
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Impact on Helium Supply in the U.S.:
- The U.S. and other parts of the world are experiencing the repercussions of the disrupted helium supply chain. The article notes that suppliers in the U.S. are rationing helium and reducing allotments to non-priority customers, illustrating the severity of the situation.
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Helium's Role in MRI Machines:
- The critical concern for the medical field arises from the necessity of helium in operating MRI machines. MRI machines require approximately 2,000 liters of ultra-cold liquid helium to keep their magnets cool. This extreme cold is essential for maintaining the superconductivity of the MRI machine's magnetic current, allowing for resistance-free current travel.
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Geopolitical Impact on Helium Supply:
- The geopolitical situation, particularly the war in Ukraine, has further complicated the helium supply chain, affecting trade between countries. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already strained helium market.
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Concerns in the Medical Community:
- The article quotes Mahadevappa Mahesh, a professor of radiology, expressing the medical community's worry about the helium shortage. He emphasizes the geopolitical situation's impact on helium availability, especially considering the critical role helium plays in MRI operations.
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Rising Helium Costs and Uncertain Future:
- Helium costs are rising significantly, posing financial challenges for various industries, including healthcare. The article suggests that, without a resolution to the helium shortage, the future of MRI remains uncertain, potentially affecting patient care and medical diagnostics.
In conclusion, the global helium shortage, influenced by both natural factors and geopolitical events, poses a substantial threat to various industries, especially healthcare, where helium is integral to critical medical technologies like MRI machines.
