Drop a helmet once, and it is no longer good.
A helmet is good for one impact only, true. However, according to the SNELL Memorial Foundation, the helmet becomes compromised when the head is inside the helmet, and the helmet makes significant contact with a surface or other object. So a helmet falling off of a table or a motorcycle seat will still provide protection to the rider.
Helmets have 4 major components that aid in protecting your head. The outer shell, the impact absorbing liner, (usually made up of polystyrene or polypropylene foam), the cheek and forehead padding, and the retention strap. Helmets are designed to disperse impact energy. It is the impact absorbing liner that deforms upon impact, and spreads the impact energy throughout the helmet to keep it away from your head and brain. Once this occurs, the helmet has done its job and should be discarded. If are not sure what is considered a significant impact, you can always send it to SNELL to have the helmet x-rayed for damage.
With that being said, even if a helmet does not sustain an impact, you should still replace it after 5 or 6 years. The materials that make up the helmet start to break down after several years due to a number of factors. For example, sun damage, fumes, hair products, sun screen, cleaning agents, adhesives from stickers placed on the helmet, heat and cold cycles, scratches or chips on the outer shell, etc.
Take good care of your helmet, and it will take good care of your head.
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