HEALTH REPORT - Surgeon General Says Secondhand Smoke Unsafe at Any Level
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Smoking has been a topic of discussion for many years,with various events and incidents highlighting its impact on society.Here are some related events and their implications:1.The Surgeon Generals Report1964:This was a landmark event that linked smoking to health hazards,including lung cancer and heart disease.The report led to increased awareness and the eventual introduction of warning labels on cigarette packages.2.Ban on Tobacco Advertising1970s:The United States banned cigarette advertising on television and radio in1970.This was a significant event as it limited the exposure of tobacco products to the public,especially children and young adults.3.World No Tobacco Day1987:Established by the World Health Organization,this annual event on May31st aims to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.4.The Master Settlement Agreement1998:This was a legal agreement between the U.S. states and the major tobacco companies.It led to significant financial settlements and restrictions on tobacco marketing,including a ban on billboard advertising.5.SmokeFree Legislation Various Years:Many countries and states have implemented laws to create smokefree environments in public places,workplaces,and restaurants. These laws have been crucial in reducing secondhand smoke exposure and encouraging smokers to quit.6.Graphic Warning Labels2001:Canada was the first country to introduce graphic warning labels on cigarette packages,depicting the harmful effects of smoking.This has since been adopted by many other countries to shock and educate smokers about the risks.7.ECigarette Explosion2019:The rise of ecigarettes and vaping has brought new challenges to tobacco control.The U.S.experienced a lung injury outbreak related to ecigarette use,or vaping,which highlighted the potential risks of these products.8.COVID19Pandemic and Smoking2020:The pandemic has brought to light the potential increased risk of severe COVID19outcomes for smokers due to the adverse effects of smoking on lung health and the immune system.9.Tobacco Industry Litigation:There have been numerous lawsuits against tobacco companies for their deceptive marketing practices and the harm caused by their products. These legal battles have resulted in significant financial penalties and increasedtransparency requirements.10.Youth Smoking Prevention Programs:Various educational and awareness programs have been implemented worldwide to prevent youth from starting to smoke.These initiatives often involve schoolbased education,community outreach,and media campaigns.Each of these events has contributed to the ongoing narrative about smoking,its effects on health,and the efforts to reduce its prevalence.As society continues to grapple with the consequences of tobacco use,these events serve as reminders of the importance of tobacco control policies and public health initiatives.。
吕梁现代双语学校2024-2025学年第一学期高二年级9月月考英语试题考试时间:120分钟分值:150分第I卷(选择题)第一部分听力(共两节,满分30 分)做题时,先将答案标在试卷上。
录音内容结束后,你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转涂到答题卡上。
第一节(共 5 小题;每小题l.5 分,满分7.5 分)听下面 5 段对话。
每段对话后有一个小题,从题中所给的 A 、B 、C 三个选项中选出最佳选项,并标在试卷的相应位置。
听完每段对话后,你都有10 秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。
每段对话仅读一遍。
1. What are the speakers doingA. Shopping.B. Having lunch.C. Cooking dishes.2. When does the performance startA. At 6 o’clock.B. At 7 o’clock.C. At 8 o’clock.3. Where are the speakersA. At a hospital.B. At a gym.C. At a school.4. What hasn’t been prepared for the emergenciesA. A flashlight.B. Towels.C. Water.5. What can be inferred about the womanA. She doesn’t know the man.B. She made a huge mistake.C. She is from New York.第二节(共15 小题;每小题 1.5 分,满分22.5 分)听下面 5 段对话或独白。
每段对话或独白后有几个小题,从题中所给的 A 、B 、C 个选项中选出最佳选项,并标在试卷的相应位置。
听每段对话或独白前,你将有时间阅读各个小题,每小题 5 秒钟; 听完后,各小题将给出5 秒钟的作答时间。
HEALTH REPORT - New Method to Find Alzheimer ’s DiseaseBy Jerilyn WatsonBroadcast: February 4, 2004This is the VOA Special English Health Report. Alzheimer ’s disease usually appears late in life. In the United States alone, experts say about four million people have this brain disorder. Over time, it robs people oftheir memory and ability to think. There are no cures.Until now, Alzheimer's could be confirmed only by examining brain tissue afterdeath or by taking brain tissue from a living patient. Now, a new test offers hopethat Alzheimer ’s may be found earlier.Experts currently give written and spoken tests to help decide if a person has thedisease. They also use a process called magnetic resonance imaging to see the brainchanges that may mean Alzheimer ’s. Many patients already have been seriously affected by the time the disease shows up on these M-R-I ’s. Most of the materials believed linked to the disease are present on the image. They are called protein clumps.But the new test makes it possible to see the protein clumps before they could be found by M-R-I. The new test might identify the disease before a person shows signs of Alzheimer ’s. Treatment could begin earlier. Doctors could see if the treatment is helping. New or improved drugs may be developed.William Klunk of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania helped invent the test. It calls for patients to receive a small amount of a radioactive molecule called Pittsburgh Compound B. It is administered through the blood.Doctor Klunk says it connects itself to proteins called amyloid plaques. These plaques exist in the brains of Alzheimer ’s patients. Doctors can see them with an examination called a PET scan. Proteins affected by Alzheimer ’s show as yellow and red.For years, Doctor Klunk and his team searched for a substance that could connect with the amyloid. Finally they found a material that can reach the brain through the blood. This Pittsburgh Compound B can color the amyloid. The finding led to a test of sixteen suspected Alzheimer ’s patients. The researchers say the test found amyloid in those patients. It also found small amounts in one of nine healthy people tested for comparison. Testing on more people is needed. The United States Food and Drug Administration currently is considering approval of the process.This VOA Special English Health Report was written by Jerilyn Watson.Email this article to a friendPrinter Friendly Version A computer picture of a brain affected byAlzheimer's disease.。
HEALTH REPORT - Adherence to Long-term Therapies ReportBy Nancy SteinbachBroadcast: August 20, 2003This is the VOA Special English Health Report.The World Health Organization says medical progress against disease will have noeffect if people fail to take their medicine. That may seem like common sense. But aW-H-O report says only about half of people in developed countries continue theirtreatments for serious medical conditions. Continuing treatment over a long periodof time is known as adherence. Adherence rates are even lower in developingcountries.The W-H-O released the report as part of an effort called the Adherence to Long-Term Therapies project. This project is a worldwide attempt to improve rates of treatment for sicknesses that last a long time.The report says more than fifty percent of all long-term diseases include mental disorders, H-I-V infection, tuberculosis and conditions that do not spread. These include cancer and heart disease. Experts say the percentage will rise to sixty-five percent of all the long-term diseases treated by two-thousand-twenty. Other long-term diseases discussed in the report include high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and asthma.The Adherence to Long-Term Therapies Project is the work of more than two-hundred-eighty scientists. They come from over forty countries. One goal of the project is to involve policy makers and health professionals in the search for better adherence rates. Another purpose is to support research about ways to improve adherence. Still another is to develop local programs to support patients.The W-H-O report says health care providers need training to judge a patient's ability to understand and continue with treatments. They need to give advice about how people can follow their treatments. And they need to examine the patient's progress at every chance.The report says patients need to be supported, not blamed. It says another way to improve adherence is to get the support of the patient's family and community. Research has shown that these are important influences on treatment.The W-H-O report says improving adherence to existing treatments may have better results than providing new medical technologies. It says better adherence is a low-cost way to improve the lives of people with long-term diseases.This VOA Special English Health Report was written by Nancy Steinbach.Email this article to a friendPrinter Friendly Version。
随着医疗水平的提高英语作文The Evolution of Healthcare and Its Impact on Society.Healthcare has undergone transformative changes over the past few decades, marked by significant advancements in technology, research, and patient care. These advancements have not only improved the quality of life for millions but have also revolutionized the way we approach and manage health issues.One of the most significant impacts of improved medical technology has been the ability to diagnose diseases and conditions earlier and more accurately. Advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, allow doctors to visualize the interior of the body with unprecedented clarity. Genetic testing and sequencing have enabled us to understand the genetic basis of diseases, leading to more targeted and effective treatments. These diagnostic tools have significantly reduced the number of misdiagnoses and have led to better outcomes for patients.Another notable advancement is the field of surgery, where minimally invasive procedures have replaced many traditional, more invasive surgeries. Laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and other techniques allow surgeons to operate with greater precision and less trauma to the patient's body. This has led to shorter recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and improved patient outcomes.The rise of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring has also been a game-changer in healthcare. With the help of technology, patients can now consult with doctors remotely, enabling access to care in remote areas and reducing the need for in-person visits. Remote monitoring devices, such as smartwatches and health trackers, allow doctors to monitor patients' health status in real-time, enabling timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans.The improvement in medical education has also contributed to the overall advancement of healthcare.Medical schools and training programs now emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging doctors to collaborate with other specialists and disciplines to provide comprehensive care. This interdisciplinary approach has led to better patient outcomes, as doctors are able to consider a wide range of factors when diagnosing andtreating patients.The role of prevention and public health has also become increasingly important. With the help of advanced data analytics and tracking systems, healthcare providers can identify patterns and trends in diseases and conditions, enabling proactive measures to be taken to preventoutbreaks and epidemics. Vaccination programs, health education campaigns, and public health interventions have been critical in improving the overall health of communities and reducing the burden of chronic diseases.However, the advancements in healthcare have not been without their challenges. The cost of medical carecontinues to rise, posing a significant burden onindividuals and governments. The issue of access to careremains a challenge, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Disparities in healthcare access and outcomes based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status are also issues that need to be addressed.In conclusion, the improvement in healthcare has been transformative, leading to better outcomes, greater access, and a higher quality of life for millions. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain and continue to work towards improving the system, making it more accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. As we move forward, it is crucial to stay vigilant and responsive to the evolving needs of society, ensuring that healthcare remains a cornerstone of human progress and well-being.。
2023-2024学年江苏省海安高级中学高二上学期期中考试英语试题If you’re after a quick snap, if you’re out and about, here are a few brilliant instant cameras to choose from.Instax Mini 12Made by Fujifilm. the Instax Mini series of cameras is ideal for taking quick snaps and getting high-quality credited card sized photos. The Mini com with built-in flash, a close-up lens and selfie lens for talking those perfect shots. The camera comes in a range of bright colors, including sky blue and clay white.Polaroid GoFamous for their cameras, Polaroid still makes instant cameras in the modern day, with a classic look. The Go comes with autofocus as well as a self timer for effectively capturing the moment and producing quality Polaroid photographs for you to keep. It also comes in a range of funky colors, if all black or white isn’t your preference.Instax Mini EvoThe Mini Evo combined camera and printer is a compact device with a 28mm lens that’s capable of letting you review and edit photos before printing them. Also featured is a back 2.7-inch LCD screen for viewing what you’re shooting and the ability to print from your phone via Bluetooth.Instax Mini 40Coming just in a single but vintage black design, the Insax Mini 40 is a solid option for quick instant snaps, with a one-touch selfie mode and a more traditional looking camera, fixed with a 60mm lens. It’s also small enough to fit comfortably in your burn bag or pocket to take a quick snap if you’re out and about.1. What do Instax Mini 12 and Polaroid Go have in common?A.Both have selfie lens. B.Both have optional colors.C.Both are in small size. D.Both have a classic look2. If you wish to print photos in your smartphone through a camera, which model is suitable?A.Instax Mini 12. B.Polaroid Go.C.Instax Mini Evo. D.Instax Mini 403. What is the unique feature of Instax Mini 40?A.The built-in flash. B.The photo-editing function.C.The autofocus function. D.The single black design.I try to be a good father. Cook my kids good dishes, and take them to photo shoots. But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck. Eighty-five times he’s pushed his disabled son, Rick, in marathons.This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled (缠住)by the umbilical cord(脐带)during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs (四肢). “He’ll be a vegetable(植物人)the rest of his life,” doctors told Dick and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. “Put him in an institution.” But t he Hoyts weren’t buying it. They noticed the way Rick’s eyes followed them around the room.When Rick was 11, they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University. Equipped with a computer, Rick was finally able to communicate. After a high school classmate was paralyzed(使瘫痪)in an accident, and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick said, “Dad, I want to do that.” How was Dick, a man who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. That day ch anged Rick’s life. “Dad,” he typed, “when we were running, it felt like I wasn’t disabled anymore!”That sentence changed Dick’s life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. They even decided to try marathons. “No way,” Dick was told by a race official. They weren’t quite a single runner, and they weren’t quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years, Dick and Rick joined the massive field and ran anyway. In 1983, they ran another marathon so fast that they made the qualifying time for the Boston Marathon the following year.Now they’ve done 212 triathlons and 85 marathons. “ My dad is the Father of the Century,” Rick typed.4. What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 2 mean?A.The Hoyts didn’t believe it was true.B.The Hoyts couldn’t afford any institution.C.The Hoyts couldn’t deal with the situation. D.The Hoyts had no money for their son’s treatment.5. What’s discussed in the third paragraph?A.Why Rick became paralyzed. B.How Rick started running.C.Why run ning changed Rick’s life D.How Rick communicated with others.6. They got the chance to join the 1984 Boston Marathon because __________.A.they ran a marathon very fast B.they got support from a charityC.they met a sympathetic race official D.they had become very famous in theprocess7. Which can be a suitable title for the text?A.A boy with a rare disease B.The greatest dad in the worldC.A tough road to world champion D.Parents' influence on children's futureSmoking is so alluring (诱惑的), pleasurable for some and perhaps the worst thing that you can possibly do to your body. So, producers made electronic cigarettes as a safer smoking choice-saferthan tobacco (烟草制品). Although e-cigarettes contain the drug nicotine like cigarettes, they do not use tobacco and you do not light them. They are powered by battery (电池).However, if e-cigarettes are so safe, why has the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) seen an increase in telephone calls about e-cigarette poisonings?The answer is children. Most of the calls are from people worried about children who have played with the devices (装置). In the period of one month this year, the Center said 215 people called the Center with e-cigarette concerns. More than half of these calls were for children aged five and younger. The devices had made them sick.Tim McAfee is director of the Center’s Office on Smoking and Health. He says the problem is regulation—the U. S. federal government does not control e-cigarettes even though they contain liquid nicotine. Mr. McAfee adds that liquid nicotine is a well-known danger. Mr. McAfee explains that nicotine poisoning happens when it gets into the skin, gets into the eyes or is swallowed. It can cause stomach pain or a sense of unbalance. And too much nicotine can kill.Tim McAfee says e-cigarettes do not create the level of risk to people that tobacco products do. He notes that almost 500, 000 Americans die each year from cigarettes. “So, cigarettes are the winner in that contest.” E-cigarettes do not contain hundreds of harmful chemicals that are found in real cigarettes. So, the U. S. Surgeon General Boris D. Lushniak has suggested that e-cigarettes may be a useful tool for adults trying to end their tobacco use.But Tim McAfee worries that teenagers may think electronic cigarettes are harmless. They could become addicted to the nicotine and then start smoking real cigarettes. In other words, he fears that fake (假的) e-cigarettes could be a “gateway” to the real thing for young people.8. What do the producers think of e-cigarettes?A.Cheaper. B.Safer. C.Dangerous. D.Expensive.9. We can learn from the passage that __________.A.the CDC wants to develop a better type of e-cigarettesB.the U. S. federal government is against the use of e-cigarettesC.Boris D Lushniak thinks e-cigarettes may contribute to giving up smoking.D.Boris D Lushniak is a heavy smoker10. What is Tim McAfee’s opinion about smoking?A.He strongly claims that regulations should be made to ban smoking.B.He is convinced that e-cigarette is a useful tool.C.Smoking e-cigarettes can make a person sick.D.He is concerned about the teens using e-cigarettes.11. What’s the author’s attitude towards e-cigarettes?A.Neutral. B.Negative. C.Positive D.Indifferent.According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the number of solar panels installed(安装)has grown rapidly in the past decade, and it has to grow even faster to meet climate goals. But all of that growth will take up a lot of space, and though more and more people accept the concept of solar energy, few like large solar panels to be installed near them.Solar developers want to put up panels as quickly and cheaply as possible, so they haven’t given much thought to what they put under them. Often, they’l l end up filling the area with small stones and using chemicals to control weeds. The result is that many communities, especially in farming regions, see solar farms as destroyers of the soil.“Solar projects need to be good neighbors,” says Jordan Mackni ck, the head of the Innovative Site Preparation and Impact Reductions on the Environment(InSPIRE)project. “They need to be protectors of the land and contribute to the agricultural economy.” InSPIRE is investigating practical approaches to “low-impact” sol ar development, which focuses on establishing and operating solar farms in a way that is kinder to the land. One of the easiest low-impact solar strategies is providing habitat for pollinators(传粉昆虫).Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have caused dramatic declines in pollinator populations over the past couple of decades, which has damaged the U.S. agricultural economy. Over 28 states have passed laws related to pollinator habitat protection and pesticide use. Conservation organizations put out pollinator-friendliness guidelines for home gardens, businesses, schools, cities—and now there are guidelines for solar farms.Over the past few years, many solar farm developers have transformed the space under their solar panels into a shelter for various kinds of pollinators, resulting in soil improvement and carbon reduction. “These pollinator-friendly solar farms can have a valuable impact on everything that’s going on in the landscape,” says Macknick.12. What do solar developers often ignore?A.The decline in the demand for solar energy.B.The negative impact of installing solar panels.C.The rising labor cost of building solar farms.D.The most recent advances in solar technology.13. What does InSPIRE aim to do?A.Improve the productivity of local farms.B.Invent new methods for controlling weeds.C.Make solar projects environmentally friendly.D.Promote the use of solar energy in rural areas.14. What is the purpose of the laws mentioned in paragraph 4?A.To conserve pollinators. B.To restrict solar development.C.To diversify the economy. D.To ensure the supply of energy.15. Which of the following is the best title for the text?A.Pollinators: To Leave or to Stay B.Solar Energy: Hope for the FutureC.InSPIRE: A Leader in Agriculture D.Solar Farms: A New Development We’re lucky to live in an age when the sum total of human knowledge is pretty available at the click of a button. We’ ve never had access to so much information. 16 . So here are a few strategies to sharpen your critical thinking.Watch out for confirmation prejudice(偏见). 17 . In repeated experiments, psychologists have shown we’re much more likely to accept something as evidence if it confirms what we already think we know. And we’re much more likely to ign ore information if it is not in line with our views, which will affect our ability to process information.Acknowledge small differences. In life, most situations are varying and complicated. Admitting that can enrich the way that we view the world. For example, what colour is the sky? Well, the obvious answer is blue. But at sunrise or sunset, it can be red. On a cold misty morning, white or gray. 18 .Practise intellectual humility (谦逊). One approach to, well, arguing, is to let go of the idea of being “right”. Or at least seriously consider that you might actually be wrong. 19 . Really try to understand where the other person is coming from. Arguing is just to waste somebody’s time.20 . It’s more important than ever to know where your information is c oming from. That science-looking paragraphs might look very convincing until you dig a little deeper and find it was just posted by someone having no qualifications. That is the case we should not overlook.Engaging in critical thinking isn’t as fun as picking up a pitchfork, or feeling like you’re fundamentally right. But in the long run, it leads to a more curious, educated and harmonious society, which is the biggest win of all.I once read about a Frenchman who spent weeks alone in a cave to see what would happen to his body rhythm. The idea of living without the structure of time became a _________ for me,and when lockdown came, I saw a reason to _________ the experiment. So, I found a cave where I could gowith other volunteers. The aim was to see how living down there for 40 days and nights would affect our sense of_________It's a strange feeling to _________ and not have a watch to tell you if you've slept enough. But soon it felt _________. I slept really well. After a while, we got familiar with the _________ and began to forget to do chores (杂活) and work tasks. There were _________ about washing-up, so we had a group meeting. It was _________.It took hours of discussion.After that, we began to _________ We began to cooperate more and a strong __________developed between us. Some __________planned holidays and bike tours together.In the end,we were __________ there. Following your own rhythm is an incredible freedom. When we were told it was over, we didn't feel ready to __________ .I think, as a society, we should reconsider the way we spend our time. We wake up __________ it's time to wake up and to work, but we forget to listen to our __________21.A.trend B.dream C.threat D.reality22.A.finance B.doubt C.repeat D.postpone23.A.time B.hunger C.direction D.belonging24.A.work B.talk C.wake D.play25.A.stressful B.desperate C.challenging D.freeing26.A.cave B.jungle C.flat D.pond27.A.assessments B.arguments C.restrictions D.regulations28.A.tense B.calm C.friendly D.relaxing29.A.withdraw B.quarrel C.hesitate D.unite30.A.competition B.prejudice C.bond D.feature31.A.yet B.even C.only D.barely32.A.nervous B.bored C.depressed D.happy33.A.hang on B.go out C.cut in D.take off34.A.because B.unless C.before D.though35.A.friends B.bodies C.lectures D.parents阅读下面材料,在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。
第二部分阅读判断一研究表明美国在医疗卫生方面的花销没有使它成为最好的根据星期二发布的研究结果,美国在卫生保健方面的花费是其他富裕国家的两倍,但并设有得到相应的结果。
在《医疗事件》杂志上发表的对五个富有国家的研究中,研究者们发现没有哪个国家有明显的最坏或最好的医疗体系。
约翰·霍普金斯大学的公共卫生学院的Gerard Arderson及其同事制定出一个21个医疗领域的名单,他们将横向地比较五个国家——澳大利亚、加拿大、英国、新西兰和美国。
安德森在对记者的电话简报中说:“在这所有的2l项指标里,这五个国家中没有一个始终保持是最好的或最坏的。
”“如果你正在寻找一个能够得到最好的医疗的地方,没有这个地方。
每个国家至少有一个指标是排在第一位的,也至少有一个指标排在最后。
”但是,他说美国的钱花得不值。
“鉴于我们比别的国家多花一倍的钱,美国应该尤其关心这些结果。
花的钱多并不一定就会有好的结果。
”由联邦基金资助的Anderson的国际卫生专家团花了五年的时间做这个研究,从五个国家得到如乳腺癌、白血病存活率、自杀率、哮喘死亡率、接种率和癌症检查等领域的尽可能新的数据。
二在美国大多数成年人有低风险的心脏疾病根据《美国心脏病学杂志》上的报告,80%以上的美国成年人在今后十年内患心脏病的风险不到10%。
只有3%的人患心脏病的风险超过了20%。
来自美国疾病控制中心的第一作者Earl S. Ford博士在一次报告中说:“我希望这些数字能够使外科医生、研究者、卫生政策分析家和其他人更好地了解冠心病在美国人口中的分布状况。
”这些研究结果基于对13769个20岁至79岁的实验对象的数据分析得到的,他们参与了1988年到1994年的第三次全国卫生和营养普查。
总的来说,82%的成年人患心脏病的风险低于10%,15%的人风险在10%-20%之间,3%的人风险高于20%。
实验对象年龄越大,在最高风险组中所占的比例越大;男人进入该组的可能性亦大于女人。
HEALTH REPORT - Surgeon General Says Secondhand Smoke Unsafe at Any Level By Caty Weaver
Broadcast: Wednesday, July 19, 2006
This is the VOA Special English Health Report.
Scientific evidence has been building about the dangers to people
who do not smoke from those who do. Now the top doctor in the
United States says the evidence cannot be argued: secondhand
tobacco smoke is a serious public health risk.
Recently Surgeon General Richard Carmona released the
government's largest report ever on secondhand smoke. For
example, it says nonsmokers increase their risk of lung cancer by up
to thirty percent if they live with a smoker. Doctor Carmona noted the added dangers faced by children who have to breathe
secondhand smoke. These children are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, severe breathing problems and ear infections. The report says smoking by parents also slows lung growth in their children.
Children are especially at risk from the poisonous chemicals in tobacco smoke because their bodies are still developing.
Smoking during pregnancy can lead to babies with low birth weight. And low birth weight can lead to many health problems.
The surgeon general says there is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Effects in the blood can be seen after even a short time in a smoky room.
Scientists have estimated that secondhand smoke kills about fifty thousand adults in the United States each year. Most of these nonsmokers die from heart disease, the others from lung cancer. Also, an estimated four hundred thirty newborn babies die from sudden infant death syndrome as a result of secondhand smoke.
Scientists have identified more than fifty cancer-causing substances in secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke also damages blood passages. And it reduces the ability of the heart to
correct abnormal heartbeats.
Smoking
The report says separating smokers from nonsmokers or trying to clean the air in buildings is not enough protection. Doctor Carmona noted the progress in establishing smoke-free public places in the United States. Blood tests show that Americans are being exposed to secondhand smoke in fewer numbers and at lower levels since the late nineteen eighties.
But the surgeon general says almost half of all nonsmokers in the United States are still breathing tobacco smoke at home, work or both.
The first surgeon general's report warning about the dangers of cigarettes came out in nineteen sixty-four.
And that's the VOA Special English Health Report for this week, written by Caty Weaver. Transcripts and archives are at . I'm Shep O'Neal.。