Wasabi extract spray-can fire alarms to alert the deaf with pungent odor
When the loud sound of a fire alarm goes off a person with hearing disability cannot react to the impending danger. This particular problem faced by the deaf has made researchers in Japan develop fire alarms or smoke detectors with spray cans of wasabi extract. Wasabi or Japanese horseradish has a strong pungent smell that could distract any individual. Studies by Japanese researchers showed that the odor of wasabi extract sprayed from the new silent smoke alert woke 13 out of 14 test subjects within 2 minutes with the deaf being more sensitive to the pungent odor and responding 10 seconds ahead of the others. The wasabi extract spraying silent fire alarm though is unique in alerting the deaf but there are smoke alarm systems available for the deaf. A popular wireless smoke detection system is available from Fire Centurion that uses a powerful vibrating disk positioned under the pillow that wakes up the deaf with its strong vibration and flashing light.
Watch the video after the jump.
Via: InventorSpot
