我們每個人的體內或多或少都含有 “永久化學物”，這些化學物質還會在人體內不斷地積累。許多日常生活用品中都含有這種有害化學物質，比如不粘鍋、防油食物包裝、防水衣物。“永久化學物” 與很多嚴重疾病之間存在聯系。本文介紹什麼是永久性化學物、它的危害以及減少接觸這種物質的方法。
詞匯：chemicals 化學物，化學制品
Almost all of us have them in our body, they accumulate throughout our lives and they may be causing serious health conditions. They’ve been called ‘forever chemicals’, but what are they, where do they come from, and what can we do about them?
‘Forever chemicals’ take their name from the fact that they contain fluorine-carbon bonds, and because they last, if not forever, for a very long time. These chemical bonds are incredibly difficult to break down, which means that contaminants from these chemicals build up over time in our environment. As well as in our bodies, they’ve been found in the soil and in drinking water.
While some have now been banned, these chemicals have been used in a wide range of consumer products. They have a repellent effect on oil and water and so have been used for stain-proofing furniture and carpets. Forever chemicals have been used to make non-stick pans and grease-proof food packaging. You can find them in waterproof clothing and bicycle lubricants. Particular concern has been raised about their use in cosmetics and other personal care products. These products are often used near mucous membranes, like those in our eyes and mouths, which could make it easier for chemicals to be absorbed into our bodies.
The exact level of risk is uncertain, but studies have suggested links between these compounds and conditions such as cancer, reproduction problems, developmental problems in children, and reduced immunity to disease. However, the level of exposure at which people become at risk is not yet clear.
It may be impossible to completely avoid these chemicals, but people can take steps to reduce their exposure. Air and water filters, as well as reducing the amount of dust in our living spaces is one way to do this. Another way is to carefully check the ingredients of cosmetics as well as the materials in carpets and furniture before buying them.
詞匯表
accumulate 積聚，堆積
bond （化學）鍵
break down 分解
contaminant 污染物
consumer product 消費品
repellent effect 驅避作用
stain-proof 作防污處理
non-stick （廚具）不粘食物的
grease-proof 防油的
waterproof 防水的
lubricant 潤滑油，潤滑劑
cosmetics 化妝品
mucous membrane 黏膜
absorb 吸收
compound 化合物
developmental problem 發育問題
immunity 免疫，免疫力
exposure 暴露，接觸
filter 過濾器
測驗與練習
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
1. What kind of chemical bonds do forever chemicals have?
2. Why do forever chemicals last for so long?
3. Where have contaminants from forever chemicals been found?
4. Why is there particular concern about forever chemicals in cosmetics?
5. What should people check carefully when they buy things?
2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
1. Chemical _______ hold different molecules together.
contaminants cosmetics bonds exposures
2. If chemicals are not disposed of properly, they can become _______.
filters contaminants bonds compounds
3. _______ makes furniture easier to clean.
Non-stick Lubricant Filter Stain-proofing
4. Using a _______ keeps a machine running smoothly.
compound lubricant contaminant cosmetic
5. Hiking equipment should be _______ to protect you from bad weather.
grease-proof non-stick stain-proof waterproof
答案
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
1. What kind of chemical bonds do forever chemicals have?
Forever chemicals contain fluorine-carbon bonds.
2. Why do forever chemicals last for so long?
Forever chemicals last for a long time because fluorine-carbon bonds are very difficult to break down.
3. Where have contaminants from forever chemicals been found?
Contaminants from forever chemicals have been found in people’s bodies, in drinking water and in the soil.
4. Why is there particular concern about forever chemicals in cosmetics?
As cosmetics are often used near mucous membranes, it may be easier for chemicals to be absorbed into our bodies.
5. What should people check carefully when they buy things?
People should carefully check the ingredients of cosmetics that they buy as well as the materials used in carpets and furniture.
2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
1. Chemical bonds hold different molecules together.
2. If chemicals are not disposed of properly, they can become contaminants.
3. Stain-proofing makes furniture easier to clean.
4. Using a lubricant keeps a machine running smoothly.
5. Hiking equipment should be waterproof to protect you from bad weather.
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