新奇事件簿 日常用品含有毒化学物质

New research has found that many common household products contain harmful chemicals. The University of Washington study analyzed¹ a range of six top-selling fabric² softeners, detergents³ and air fresheners. Researchers discovered at least one chemical in the products that are describes as toxic⁴ or hazardous⁵ under US laws. Professor Anne Steinemann said: "I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity⁶ of the chemicals that were found." She added: "I didn't find a brand that didn't emit at least one toxic chemical." She explained that the chemicals included acetone, which is an active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover. She also outlined a number of other hazardous chemicals.

据最新研究发现，许多常见家用产品含有害化学物质。华盛顿大学对六大畅销织物柔软剂，洗涤剂以及空气清新剂进行了分析。据研究结果表明，上述产品至少含有一种美国法律所列举的有害化学物质。安妮·史泰曼教授认为：“我对有毒物质发现数量，以及它所带来的潜在危害表示震惊。”她还补充道；“我还没发现不含有有毒化学物质的产品。”她称这些包括丙酮，它是一种存在于油漆稀释剂和洗甲水中的活性成分。她还列举了许多其它有害化学物质。

Test results showed 58 different volatile⁷ chemicals above the recommended safety level. Researchers found an air freshener that contained more than 20 different harmful compounds, of which, seven are regulated as being toxic. Steinemann’s advice for consumers was: "Be careful if you buy products with fragrance⁸, because you really don't know what's in them. I'd like to see better labeling. In the meantime, I'd recommend that instead of air fresheners people use ventilation, and with laundry products, choose fragrance-free versions." Her conclusions angered manufacturers, who said the research “really lacks a real-world risk perspective". A spokesman said the products were safe and did not cause ill health.

据检测结果表明，有58种挥发性化学物超过推荐安全值。在某种空气清新剂中，研究人员发现了20多种有害化合物，其中7种为有毒性化合物。史泰曼教授向顾客提出忠告：“在购买清香类产品时一定要注意，原因是你不知道里面放了什么。我希望看到详细的产品标识。与此同时，我不推荐大家使用清新剂，我推荐使用通风设备，要选择无香型洗涤产品。”她的这一结论让生产商大为恼火，称该研究缺乏对实际风险认识。”某产品发言人表示，他们所生产的产品安全可靠，不会对身体造成危害。

1 analyzed   

v.分析( analyze的过去式和过去分词 )；分解；解释；对…进行心理分析

参考例句：

• The doctors analyzed the blood sample for anemia. 医生们分析了贫血的血样。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The young man did not analyze the process of his captivation and enrapturement, for love to him was a mystery and could not be analyzed. 这年轻人没有分析自己蛊惑著迷的过程，因为对他来说，爱是个不可分析的迷。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 fabric   

n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织

参考例句：

• The fabric will spot easily.这种织品很容易玷污。
• I don't like the pattern on the fabric.我不喜欢那块布料上的图案。

3 detergents   

n.洗涤剂( detergent的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Such detergents do not yellow the wool as alkali tends to do. 这种洗涤剂不会象碱那样使羊毛发黄。 来自辞典例句
• Development of detergents has required optimization of the surfactants structure. 发展洗涤剂时，要求使用最恰当的表面活性剂结构。 来自辞典例句

4 toxic   

adj.有毒的，因中毒引起的

参考例句：

• The factory had accidentally released a quantity of toxic waste into the sea.这家工厂意外泄漏大量有毒废物到海中。
• There is a risk that toxic chemicals might be blasted into the atmosphere.爆炸后有毒化学物质可能会进入大气层。

5 hazardous   

adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的

参考例句：

• These conditions are very hazardous for shipping.这些情况对航海非常不利。
• Everybody said that it was a hazardous investment.大家都说那是一次危险的投资。

6 toxicity   

n.毒性，毒力

参考例句：

• The hoarse grunt or squeal is characteristic of toxicity.嘶哑的哼声和叫声是中毒的特征。
• Dieldrin is related to aldrin,and its toxicity to earthworms is similar.狄氏剂与艾氏剂有关，对蚯蚓的毒性是相似的。

7 volatile   

adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质

参考例句：

• With the markets being so volatile,investments are at great risk.由于市场那么变化不定，投资冒着很大的风险。
• His character was weak and volatile.他这个人意志薄弱，喜怒无常。

8 fragrance   

n.芬芳，香味，香气

参考例句：

• The apple blossoms filled the air with their fragrance.苹果花使空气充满香味。
• The fragrance of lavender filled the room.房间里充满了薰衣草的香味。