🎈HELIUM SCARCITY… Hospitals worldwide perform millions of MRI scans, making MRI the single largest consumer of liquid helium (often cited as 15–30% of global demand). While MRI is usually closed loop—MRIs need to be refilled with helium over time (just like Freon leaks from air conditioners over time). Helium cannot be made—only extracted, & any loss is permanent. However, Iran just destroyed a $20 billion Qatar refinery, & the Strait of Hormuz is blocked. Helium also needed in quantum technologies. Helium already scarce. Helium shortages can delay scans, raise costs, or force prioritization of urgent cases. In respiratory: Heliox (a helium-oxygen mixture) reduces airway turbulence, easing breathing in conditions like severe asthma, croup, or upper airway obstruction. It is delivered via masks or ventilators and is particularly useful in pediatrics or emergencies, and there is no substitute for helium in Heliox. All this will not be good if we suffer an even greater shortage of helium / price spike of helium if the Iran conflict continues.