What effect can Helium have on the examination room during a quench?

During a quench, the rapid loss of helium from the MRI magnet can lead to a significant risk of asphyxiation due to oxygen displacement. Helium is a colorless, odorless gas that is much lighter than air. When a quench occurs, the helium rapidly expands and disperses, potentially pushing oxygen away from the breathing zone in the examination room. As a consequence, if the concentration of helium increases in the environment, the available oxygen for breathing can be reduced, thereby creating a hazardous situation for individuals present.

This understanding underscores the importance of ventilation and safety protocols in MRI facilities to mitigate the risks associated with quenches. Proper measures must be in place to ensure that any helium released during such an event does not compromise the safety of the staff and patients by depleting the oxygen in the room.