文章大意:这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了用纸和竹子等植物材料制成的吸管,通常人们认为它们比塑料制成的吸管更可持续、更环保。然而,这些吸管中PFAS的存在意味着它们看似环保,但确是有害的。
In the first test of its kind in Europe, and only the second in the world, Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws (吸管) for the group of synthetic (合成的) chemicals known as poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The straws are made from five materials — paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic. PFAS were found in the majority of the straws tested and were most common in those made from paper and bamboo. They were not found only in steel straws tested.
PFAS are used to make everyday products, from outdoor clothing to non-stick pans, resistant (抵抗to water, heat and stains. They are, however, potentially harmful to people, wildlife and the environment. They have been related to a number of health problems, including lower response to vaccines (疫苗), lower birth weight, thyroid disease, liver damage, kidney cancer and testicular cancer. They break down very slowly over time and can last thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as “forever chemicals”.
A growing number of countries, including the UK and Belgium, have sopped the sale of single-use plastic products, including drinking straws, and plant-based versions have become popular. The PFAS concentrations (浓缩物) were low in them and, bear in mind that most people tend to only use straws occasionally, bringing a limited risk to human health. However, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and concentrations can build up over time.
It isn’t known whether the PFAS were added to the straws by the producer for waterproofing or the PFAS were the result of contamination. Potential sources of contamination include the soil the plant-based materials were grown in and the water used in the production process. However, the presence of the chemicals in almost every brand of paper straws means it is likely that it was, in some cases, being used as a water-resistant coating, say the researchers.
12. Why are PFAS called “forever chemicals”?
A.They are commonly seen in daily life. |
B.They bring humans health problems. |
C.They remain in the environment for long. |
D.They can resist water, heat and stains. |
13. How can PFAS harm people’s health?
A.By bringing people air pollution. |
B.By polluting humans’ food. |
C.By building up little by little in humans’ body. |
D.By making people addicted to drinking easily. |
14. What does the underlined word “contamination” in the last paragraph mean?
A.Pollution. | B.Discovery. | C.Experiment. | D.Development. |
15. What does the text mainly talk about?
A.More and more countries give up single-use plastic products. |
B.PFAS are widely used in the production of daily necessities. |
C.Certain kinds of new synthetic chemicals were discovered. |
D.Environment-friendly drinking straws are actually harmful. |