University of Missouri virologist Marc Johnson revealed Monday that his institution’s helium supply will be cut in half due to the Iran war, with potentially severe consequences for medical facilities nationwide.
Qatar, which supplies one-third of the world’s liquified helium, was forced to halt production after Iran struck the country housing Al Udeid Air Base, the U.S. military’s largest Middle East installation.
Helium is essential for MRI scanners and other medical applications, including surgery and research. Johnson warned medical facilities face critical shortages, stating his university received notice their gas supplier could fulfill less than 50% of its regular consumption.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized the Trump administration for failing to anticipate cascading consequences from Operation Epic Fury, launched late last month. The helium shortage compounds other resource crises triggered by the military operation, including oil shortages and soaring energy prices.
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