News Now Report: Horseradish Fire Alarm
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Updated: 6:27 PM Mar 3, 2008
News Now Report: Horseradish Fire Alarm
A new type of fire alarm in Japan has been developed using the pungent smell of horseradish.
Posted: 4:46 PM Mar 3, 2008
Reporter: Kalisha Whitman
Email Address: kalisha.whitman@wctv.tv
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(CBS)_A new type of fire alarm in Japan has been developed using the pungent smell of horseradish.

The device is drawing attention as a new way to warn people with hearing disabilities.

Medical equipment manufacturers have developed a technology to extract components of the strong odor of horseradish, seal them inside a can and spray them out.

Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital cooperated with the makers and carried out experiments to see if the horseradish smell can wake up people from a deep sleep.

Fourteen people, including those with hearing disabilities, took part in the experiments.

In the experiment, 13 out of the 14 subjects woke up in less than two minutes after the smell reached their noses.

The people with hearing disabilities were particularly quick to wake up, with one person emerging from sleep in just 10 seconds.

Assistant professor Makoto Imai at Shiga University of Medical Science says the experiment was useful to ensure that the new device allows those with hearing disabilities to escape during an emergency.

The makers intend to put the fire alarm on the market in two years.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Martyn Cooper Location: Northampton, UK on Apr 7, 2008 at 10:17 AM

What's wrong with the existing flashing lights?
Posted by: Andy Location: US on Mar 14, 2008 at 11:02 AM

Do you feel your readers are not smart enough to understand "wasabi"... That is what is being used in the fire alarms. It is similar to horseradish; but not the same.
Posted by: Richard Location: UK Firefighter on Mar 9, 2008 at 06:30 PM

won't the smell of the smoke mask the smell of the horseradish? Duh!
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