1 . A new study suggests some of America’s favorite Independence Day fireworks can give out lead and copper (铜), which are used to give fireworks their vivid colors, and also damage human cells and animal lungs.

Led by researchers at NYU, the study showed poisonous levels of lead in the fireworks. Experiments showed that lung exposure to particle emissions (颗粒排放物) from five types of fireworks significantly increased oxidation (氧化), a chemical process in the body that can damage or even kill cells.

The researchers say the new study is believed to be the first to examine the effects of firework exposure in human cells and living animals, and to test for particles of common firework metals thrown into the atmosphere.

“While many are careful to protect themselves from injury from explosions, our results suggest that inhaling firework smoke may cause, longer-term physical damage, a risk that has been largely ignored,” says study senior author Terry Gordon, a professor in the Department of Environmental Medicine.

Gordon and his team also analyzed 14 air quality samples taken at dozens of sites across the US throughout each year. They found that levels of poisonous metals were higher in samples taken on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations than at any other time of the year. Along with lead, copper and other poisonous metals are commonly found in fireworks. “Our research shows that although we are only exposed to these poisonous substances for a short time each year, they are much more poisonous than the pollutants we breathe every day,” says Gordon.

Gordon cautions (警告) that the current investigation is the first step, only addressing the potential effects of one-time exposure to the firework metals. He says repeated exposure is likely a larger concern. Nevertheless, he is planning to share his findings with local health officials, firework producers, the Environmental Protection Agent, and other regulatory agents to alert them to the potential for harm.

6 . Britain seems to have great creativity — especially in the performing and visual arts.

Theatrical tradition

Theaters in Britain date back at least to the 16th century, and the most famous playwright is of course William Shakespeare. A company was founded in his name, with a stage at his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. It has trained generations of actors. In the 20th century, classical and more modern plays were also performed at many regional theaters, where actors and writers gained experience.

Film stars

The world of film-making has involved British creative talent from the beginning. Charlie Chaplin, born in poverty in London’s East End, began as a child entertainer in music halls. He then became a pioneer of silent movies in Hollywood and created many black-and-white classics during the First World War. British actors, who were often classically trained in theater, Laurence Olivier and Alec Guinness became house-hold names after the Second World War.

Supporting talent

Film-making creativity has been supported by two major studios. Productions at Shepperton have included Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi and Ridley Scott’s Alien. Pinewood’s most famous products must be the James Bond films. Both theater and film have their own annual festivals, including one of the biggest festivals in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.

Visual expression

The visual arts also show Britain’s creative spirit, from Romantic Age painters like Turner and Constable to groups such as the Pre-Raphaelites and the modernist sculpture of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Today’s famous artists — Damien Hirst or Tracey Emin — regularly show in the newspapers, and their works are sold at high prices.