From science labs to party stores, a helium shortage internationally is deflating local business.
"The increase in helium consumption like all other natural resources is on the increase, and our ability to replace it- well, we can't." Kevin McWilliams, associate professor of Chemistry & Physics at Coastal Carolina University says.
Nationally, some large events, including balloon demonstrations at college football games have been canceled.
Across the Grand Strand, several party stores say they have adjusted prices because of the shortage affecting their suppliers. At One Stop Party Shop, manager Sheri Ogle says she's had to raise her latex balloon costs from $5.99 to $8.99.
"I had to raise my prices on my latex balloons, as well as my inflation fee on balloons. I now have to charge almost double what I used to charge, unfortunately. It has hurt my business," she says.
Helium is abundant in the universe, but the form used by industry is a byproduct of natural gas production. And the country's largest reservoir of helium, in the panhandle of Texas, is expected to only produce enough for the next few years.
That's a concern for the medical industry too McWilliams says. MRI machines need more than 10,000 litres of helium to run, and keep the massive magnet cold at 452 degrees below zero.
"It's actually what is used in all MRI equipment in order to keep that magnet cool so that we can get those images," he says.
Spokespersons from Grand Strand and Conway Medical Centers say for now, they haven't had to raise prices because the liquid supply of helium they have used hasn't changed.
