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A major New Zealand retailer plans to make changes to warnings about the dangers posed by helium balloon kits after a woman died from inhaling the lethal gas while preparing decorations for her child’s party. 

A coroner has called for better warnings on helium canisters after young mum Faith Waterman Batistich died from inhaling the gas in balloons at her daughter’s first birthday party. 

The 20-year-old Bay of Plenty woman died in September 2022 and her death was referred to the coroner. 

Members of her family were inhaling helium from the balloons to make their voices high. When she had a turn another person turned up the flow on the canister and she fell to the floor. 

In releasing her findings Coroner Louella Dunn said it was apparent Batistich was “unaware of the inherent dangers of inhaling helium”. 

It was clear there was a “mistaken belief” in the community about the dangers of inhaling helium, and Coroner Dunn made several recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies. 

In New Zealand, helium canisters can be bought over the counter and can also be purchased online without restrictions. 

The Kmart website displays three warnings on its helium products, including an R18 restriction. At the time of publishing, the Warehouse has no warnings or restrictions online. Photo / Kmart 

The coroner recommended that the warning on helium products should be in bold print at the top of the canister stating: ‘Do not inhale – risk of serious personal injury or death’. 

Some people inhale helium to produce a high-pitched noise similar to that of a chipmunk and was a known “party-pleaser”, the coroner said. 

The Warehouse’s general manager of leisure, tech and play, Nick Lapwood, said the company was looking into adding warnings to its website under the product details. 

“Safety is always a priority for us, and we take the recommendations from the coroner seriously. 

“Helium canisters sold at The Warehouse currently include safety warnings as supplied by the local supplier. 

“While we’re not aware of any safety issues involving these products, we’ll take this opportunity to review the warnings to ensure they are as clear and visible as possible.” 

The Warehouse helium products have warning statements on the canister and the box, but no age restriction, which The Warehouse confirmed it is not considering currently. 

The Kmart website displays three warnings on its helium products, including an R18 restriction. At the time of publishing, The Warehouse has no warnings or restrictions online. 

Look Sharp provided written warnings for its helium products sold online. 

Spotlights' website had a picture of a helium product with warnings in small text on the front. 

Neither mentions an age restriction. 

Kmart, Look Sharp and Spotlight have been approached for comment.