Glowing inhaler 'may save lives'

A Cumbrian-born inventor has developed a glow-in-the-dark inhaler in a bid to cut the number of fatal asthma attacks.

Many asthma sufferers struggle to find their inhalers in the dark

Grant Taylor, originally from Carlisle, uses crystals similar to those found in sea plankton, which glow for 18 hours after only eight minutes in sunlight.

Mr. Taylor says more than 3,000 people die each year because they cannot find their inhaler in the dark.

He was inspired to create the device after hearing the story of pioneering heart surgeon Christian Barnard, who died of an asthma attack while trying to find his inhaler in the dark.

Products already manufactured using the crystals include life hammers, used to smash car and rail carriage glass in an emergencies, Swiss army knives, fire extinguishers and diving torches.

Mr. Taylor, now based in the West Midlands, said: "It's amazing. We've got it into the fishing industry, on handles in train carriages and even exit signs.

"We're focusing on potentially life-saving devices at the moment. Any critical care emergencies that require night-time doses, such as heart medication, diabetic insulin or the contents of medical boxes, would benefit from this additive."

Source: BBC News