Helium is widely used for inflating balloons and airships because it is lighter than air and non-flammable, making it much safer than other lifting gases. In medical and scientific fields, helium plays a critical role in cooling MRI scanners and superconducting magnets, as well as in cryogenic research that requires extremely low temperatures. It is also used in respiratory treatments, where helium–oxygen mixtures help patients breathe more easily.

In industrial applications, helium is used as a shielding gas in welding and metal fabrication, particularly for aluminum and stainless steel. It is also essential for leak detection in pipelines and pressurized systems, and for purging and pressurizing fuel systems in aerospace and rocket technology. Additionally, helium supports the electronics and fiber-optic industries by providing cooling and controlled environments during manufacturing processes.