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职称英语考试阅读判断试题练习 10.Inhalable Water Droplets 可吸入水滴 You think that the biggest threat to your health when taking a shower comes from slipping on a bar of soap? Well, guess again. Preliminary studies by engineers at the University of Cincinnati and the Oak Ridge Institute for science and education, also in Cincinnati, indicate that some water-saving shower nozzles produce water droplets so small they can be inhaled, exposing anyone using the shower to several different health hazards. Using a device called an optical particle counter the researchers tested a number of shower nozzles, both of adjustable and fix-spray styles. They found that some products create droplets less than 10 microns in diameter-small enough to be inhaled. Thats problem, the researchers theorise, because the water may contain trace of chemicals used by treatment facilities to kill microbes and bacteria in the water. These organic compounds are relatively safe to take in by drinking, but may not be safe to inhale. Another threat may be possible as well. Previous research has shown that the droplets can contain microbes that live inside the warm, wet interior of shower nozzles. When the faucet is turn on, these microbes are swept out through the nozzles. If these droplets are inhaled, the microbes could pose a threat to people who are with asthma and other respiratory problems. | 
