NEWS COPY
Toothpaste, socks and WiFi are among the inventions which have had the ‘biggest impact’ on Brits’ lives.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed it’s the humble creations which are held dear, with 66 per cent admitting they take these small things for granted.
While technological discoveries including the internet, mobile phones and televisions topped the list, the likes of painkillers, toilet paper and laundry detergent also featured.
Sat-Navs, hair dryers and cling film are also among the items considered to have had a big impact.
It also emerged more than half believe the reason we take such inventions for granted is because we have easy access to them.
The research was commissioned by Nurofen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ibuprofen first being given to a patient.
Nurofen brand manager, Marcella Christophersen, said: “While not all inventions are world renowned or all inventors household names, the research demonstrates that it’s the things we often take for granted, such as pain relief, that are ultimately most
important to us.
“Although it’s been 50 years since ibuprofen first became available, we’re always striving to deliver the best products and solutions by continually learning and understanding more about pain and pain management.
“We want to make it easier for people to resolve their pain on the go, or on a desert island for that matter.”
The study also found that despite its impact, less than one in five were able to name the inventor of ibuprofen – Dr Stewart Adams – compared to three in four who confidently named Mark Zuckerberg as Facebook’s founder.
As a result, 45 per cent admitted the creators of small, impactful products should be more well-known, and a third wish they knew more about how everyday items were discovered.
More than a third also said they couldn’t imagine a whole year without painkillers and 46 per cent feel the same about toothpaste.
A further four in 10 would struggle for 12 months without a mobile phone and the internet.
Similarly, one in three wouldn’t leave the house without pain relief, with 70 per cent of these being women compared to 18 per cent of men.
And almost two thirds said their pain management would be difficult if they couldn’t buy painkillers off the shelf.
When asked what items they would pack for their desert island survival kit, painkillers topped the list.
Inventions which have had the ‘biggest impact’ on Brits:
1. Internet
2. Mobile phone
3. Television
4. Toilet paper
5. WiFi
6. Toothpaste
7. Painkillers
8. Online banking
9. Deodorant
10. Scissors
11. Ballpoint pens
12. Socks
13. Laundry detergent
14. Sat-Nav
15. Sunscreen
16. Alarm clock
17. Plasters
18. Clothes hangers
19. Sunglasses
20. Hair dryer
21. Umbrella
22. Headphones
23. Lip balm
24. Tin foil
25. Portable phone charger
26. Ironing board
27. Cling film
28. Hand cream
29. Nail file
30. Eyebrow tweezers
31. Tupperware
32. Mouthwash
33. Hair curlers/straighteners
34. Vitamins
35. Dental floss
36. Air freshener
37. Hairbands
38. Make up remover
39. Hand sanitizer
40. Dry shampoo
ENDS
