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🎤 Rowan's Reading
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Introduction / 引言
English: Forever chemicals, officially known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment or in our bodies.
中文： 永久化学品，正式名称为 PFAS（全氟和多氟烷基物质），是一组自 20 世纪 40 年代以来在工业和消费品中使用的人造化学品。它们被称为”永久化学品”，因为它们在环境或我们的体内不会自然分解。
Where Are They Found / 它们存在于哪里
English: These chemicals can be found in many everyday items. They are used to make non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant carpets, and food packaging. PFAS are also present in firefighting foams, which have been used at airports and military bases for decades.
中文： 这些化学品存在于许多日常用品中。它们被用于制造不粘锅、防水服装、防污地毯和食品包装。PFAS 还存在于灭火泡沫中，这些泡沫已在机场和军事基地使用了数十年。
The Problem of Persistence / 持久性问题
English: The problem with forever chemicals is their persistence. Once they enter the environment, they can travel long distances through water and air. They accumulate in soil, rivers, and even drinking water supplies. Scientists have found PFAS in the blood of humans and animals all around the world.
中文： 永久化学品的问题在于其持久性。一旦进入环境，它们可以通过水和空气传播很远的距离。它们在土壤、河流甚至饮用水供应中积累。科学家在世界各地的人类和动物的血液中都发现了 PFAS。
Health Concerns / 健康担忧
English: Recent studies have raised serious health concerns about PFAS exposure. Research has linked these chemicals to several health problems, including liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and increased risk of certain cancers. Children may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of PFAS exposure.
中文： 最近的研究引起了人们对 PFAS 暴露的严重健康担忧。研究已将这些化学品与多种健康问题联系起来，包括肝损伤、甲状腺疾病、生育能力下降以及某些癌症风险增加。儿童可能特别容易受到 PFAS 暴露的影响。
Government Action / 政府行动
English: Governments around the world are now taking action. The European Union has proposed banning most PFAS uses, while the United States has set new limits on PFAS in drinking water. Many companies are also working to develop alternatives to these chemicals.
中文： 世界各国政府正在采取行动。欧盟已提议禁止大多数 PFAS 的使用，而美国则对饮用水中的 PFAS 设定了新的限制。许多公司也在努力开发这些化学品的替代品。
What You Can Do / 你能做什么
English: What can individuals do to reduce their exposure? Experts recommend using stainless steel or cast iron cookware instead of non-stick pans, avoiding water-resistant clothing when possible, and using water filters that can remove PFAS from drinking water.
中文： 个人可以做什么来减少接触？专家建议使用不锈钢或铸铁锅具代替不粘锅，尽可能避免使用防水服装，并使用可以去除饮用水中 PFAS 的水过滤器。
Conclusion / 结论
English: While the challenge of forever chemicals is significant, scientists and policymakers are working together to find solutions. The key is balancing the useful properties of these chemicals with the need to protect human health and the environment.
中文： 虽然永久化学品的挑战是巨大的，但科学家和政策制定者正在共同努力寻找解决方案。关键是要在这些化学品的有用特性与保护人类健康和环境的需求之间取得平衡。
Vocabulary Notes / 词汇注释
| Word | Part of Speech | Chinese | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS | n. | 全氟烷基物质 | PFAS are found in many household products. |
| persistence | n. | 持久性 | The persistence of these chemicals is concerning. |
| break down | phrasal v. | 分解 | Plastics break down very slowly. |
| accumulate | v. | 积累 | Chemicals accumulate in the body over time. |
| exposure | n. | 暴露 | Long-term exposure can cause health problems. |
| vulnerable | adj. | 易受伤害的 | Children are vulnerable to pollution. |
| alternative | n. | 替代品 | Companies are developing safer alternatives. |
| non-stick cookware | n. | 不粘锅具 | Non-stick cookware may contain PFAS. |
| water-resistant | adj. | 防水的 | Water-resistant jackets often contain chemicals. |
| stain-resistant | adj. | 防污的 | Stain-resistant carpets may release harmful gases. |
| fertility | n. | 生育能力 | PFAS may affect fertility in both men and women. |
| thyroid | n. | 甲状腺 | Thyroid disease is linked to chemical exposure. |
Study Tips / 学习建议
- Listen first - Listen to the full audio to understand the main idea
- Read aloud - Practice pronunciation by reading along with the audio
- Compare translations - Read the Chinese translation to understand each paragraph
- Learn vocabulary - Focus on B2 level core vocabulary
- Retell - Try to summarize the article in your own words
Next Reading: Tomorrow we’ll read an article about technology and innovation. Stay tuned!
明日预告： 明天我们将阅读一篇关于科技创新的文章。敬请期待！