US EPA proposes new restrictions on ethylene oxide to reduce cancer risks in communities and workers

admin 2023年5月20日

Beginner

Health & Lifestyle, Health & Lifestyle - Beginner

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Are you aware that some gases can cause cancer?
Did you know that toxic gas is used to sanitize medical devices and spices?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

limit /LIM-it/

[verb] – to control something so that it is not greater than a particular amount, number, or level
The store limits the number of items that customers can buy to ensure that everyone can have a fair chance to purchase what they need.

apply /uh-PLAHY/

[uh-PLAHY] – to have a connection or be important
Since she is not a part of the tribe, their rules don’t apply to her.

reduce /ri-DOOS/

[verb] – to become or to make something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc.
The doctor advised me to reduce my sugar intake to help lower my risk of developing diabetes.

require /ri-KWAHYUHR/

[verb] – to need something or make something necessary
To attend the conference, it will require registration and payment of the admission fee.

protect /pruh-TEKT/

[verb] – to keep someone or something safe from injury, damage, or loss
Wearing sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UV rays when spending time outdoors.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to limit the use of a chemical called ethylene oxide. This chemical is used to sterilize medical items like surgical gowns, gloves, and catheters, but it can also cause cancer. The proposed rules would apply to 86 facilities in the US that use this chemical. The new rules aim to reduce the amount of ethylene oxide gas in the air by 80%, which is supposed to make it safer for people. However, some devices still need to use ethylene oxide for sterilization.

The new rules require companies to use protective equipment and new controls to keep the amount of ethylene oxide in the air low. The EPA will listen to people’s comments on the rules for 60 days. While some groups have welcomed the move, they also say that it doesn’t go far enough to protect vulnerable communities.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to limit the use of a chemical called ethylene oxide.
Carbon dioxide is used to sterilize medical items like surgical gowns, gloves, and catheters, but it can also cause cancer.
The proposed rules would apply to all facilities in the US that use ethylene oxide.
The new rules aim to reduce the amount of ethylene oxide gas in the air by 80%, which is supposed to make it safer for people.
Some groups have welcomed the move, but they also say that it doesn’t go far enough to protect vulnerable communities.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

limit

apply

reduce

require

protect

Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you ______ your risk of developing certain diseases.
To avoid getting sunburnt, it is important to ______ your exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
To ______ plastic waste, many people use reusable water bottles instead of buying disposable ones.
The dress code policy will ______ to all employees, regardless of their position or department.
The job advertisement stated that the position would ______ a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.