Comparing E290 - Carbon dioxide vs E939 - Helium
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 983 products
Found in 1 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
How to treat low carbon dioxide in blood?
Low CO2 (bicarbonate) on a blood test reflects an acid-base imbalance, so treatment targets the underlying cause—such as correcting metabolic acidosis, adjusting ventilation, or managing kidney issues—under medical supervision. Drinking carbonated beverages or ingesting E290 does not correct it.
Is carbon dioxide a compound?
Yes—CO2 is a chemical compound consisting of one carbon atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms.
Is carbon dioxide a pure substance?
Pure CO2 is a single chemical substance. Food-grade E290 is highly purified CO2 that meets strict identity and impurity limits before it is used in beverages or modified-atmosphere packaging.
Is carbon dioxide bad for you?
At typical levels in foods and carbonated drinks, CO2 is considered safe; it is permitted as E290 in the EU and GRAS in the U.S. Hazards arise from breathing very high concentrations (which can displace oxygen) or improper handling of liquid CO2 or dry ice.
Where does carbon dioxide come from?
Suppliers capture CO2 from natural wells, fermentation (e.g., breweries, bioethanol plants), or industrial off-gases, then purify, liquefy, and repackage it for food-grade uses like carbonation and protective atmospheres.
Where does helium come from?
On Earth it’s produced by the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium and is commercially extracted from certain natural gas fields by cryogenic separation.
Is helium flammable?
No—helium is non-flammable and chemically inert.
How long do helium balloons last?
Typical latex helium balloons float for about 8–12 hours (longer if treated), while foil/Mylar balloons often last 3–7 days or more depending on size and temperature.
How many valence electrons does helium have?
Two; its 1s shell is full, which is why helium is very inert.
What is helium used for?
As E939 it’s used as an inert packaging gas to displace oxygen and protect foods; more broadly, helium is used for lifting balloons, cryogenics (e.g., MRI), leak detection, pressurizing, and as a shielding gas in welding.