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.
12. Why do some fireworks harm our health?
A.They are oxidized in the air. |
B.They can give out harmful metals. |
C.They are exposed to particle emissions. |
D.They can melt chemical substances in the body. |
13. What does the underlined word “inhaling” in paragraph 4 mean?
A.Letting out. | B.Working out. |
C.Taking in. | D.Blowing off. |
14. What can we infer from Gordon’s research findings?
A.Fireworks are the main cause of air pollution. |
B.Air quality on New Year’s Eve is above normal. |
C.People breathe in poisonous air for a short time daily. |
D.Air pollution on Independence Day is worse than usual. |
15. What does Gordon intend to do with fireworks-related persons?
A.Remind them not to set off fireworks. |
B.Caution them against producing metals. |
C.Alert them to the harm of the experiment. |
D.Warn them of the possible dangers of fireworks. |