A new 'personal cooling booth' in Japan has been touted as a solution to the sweltering heatwave that has gripped the country. Dubbed the 'human fridge', the Do Hiemon device claims to cool users in just 10 minutes, making it a potentially life-saving tool for those exposed to extreme temperatures.
The 'human fridge' stands at 2.1 metres tall and features a stainless-steel exterior, with users entering the booth to experience a 5C air jet and an internal temperature of 15C. According to the manufacturer, this cooling combination can ease the symptoms of heat exhaustion faster than air conditioning or a fan.
However, the 'human fridge' is far from cheap, with a price tag of £6,900 and an electricity consumption of 7p per hour. Nevertheless, the device has sparked interest in its potential uses, particularly in industries where workers are frequently exposed to heat, such as warehouses and construction sites.
As the UK endures its own heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 30C in some areas, the 'human fridge' has raised questions about the effectiveness of similar solutions in the UK. While the device may be a luxury item for some, its potential to save lives in high-heat environments is undeniable.