How a Whiff of Wasabi Can Save Lives

With its pungent aroma and fiery flavor, wasabi is most commonly known as a condiment for sushi. But now it has a more important role, as a potential life saver in smoke alarms for the deaf.

With the loud ringing of normal fire alarms proving futile for most deaf people, one Japanese company decided to cater to the hard-of-hearing by using the strong, horseradish-like smell of wasabi, reports the BBC. It's simple enough — when the machine detects smoke, it ejects a spray of wasabi odor so strong that even those in a heavy slumber will soon be up and out of the door in no time at all.

Following a two-year development, the alarms were developed by Kobe-based fire extinguisher company Air Water Safety Services, reports Britain's Telegraph. With the help of Seems, a bioventure company in Tokyo, the device was distributed to nursing and elderly homes and it's hoped that the gadget will also be used in loud music venues such as nightclubs and karaoke bars.

Chigusa Shimokawa, a spokesperson for the distribution company said that many other fragrances were tested during the design process but wasabi won the stink factor every time. "We tried peppermint, lavender and many others, but none of them worked like wasabi being sprayed into a room," she said, adding: "Most people will wake up within one or two minutes." With plans in motion for a global sales campaign, this hot little invention could soon be saving lives quicker than you can say 'pass the soy sauce'.

Photo by FotooosVanRobin via Flickr.