A vacuum heat insulator has an airtight structure, and is provided in its inside with a heat insulation space in which core material (5) is provided. The vacuum heat insulator includes exhaust hole (16) through which evacuation is performed, and sealant (17) used for sealing exhaust hole (16) while maintaining vacuum. Sealant (17) includes heat-resistant protective layer (42), metal foil (41), and adhesive layer (43).