©(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do you think social media can influence people to try risky things?
- What do you think people can do to stay safe when they hear about new trends or popular products?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- colorful /KUHL-er-fuhl/
- blood pressure /bluhd PRESH-er/
- unconsciousness /uhn-KAAN-shuh-snuhs/
- collapse /kuh-LAPS/
- inhale /in-HEYL/
[adjective] – having bright or varied colors
The children’s toys came in colorful boxes to attract their attention.
[noun] – the force at which blood moves through the body’s blood vessels
Doctors recommend regular exercise to help control blood pressure.
[noun] – the state of being unable to respond to surroundings due to fainting, injury, or illness
The hiker’s unconsciousness worried the rescue team after hours without movement.
[verb] – to suddenly fall down due to weakness or exhaustion
The runner collapsed at the finish line from dehydration.
[verb] – to breathe in
People with allergies should be careful not to inhale dust or pollen.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
U.S. health officials have raised concerns about a rise in injuries linked to nitrous oxide misuse, often called laughing gas. While this gas is typically used as a sedative in dental offices and hospitals, some people now misuse it to feel euphoric. Recently, flavored nitrous oxide products like Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, and MassGass have become popular. These products, often sold in colorful packaging at gas stations, vape shops, and online stores, have drawn the attention of health authorities.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that inhaling nitrous oxide can cause dangerously low blood pressure, which may lead to unconsciousness and serious harm. Poison control centers have reported more emergency calls involving people who collapsed after using the gas improperly. The FDA believes this increase is linked to flavored nitrous oxide products sold for cooking, despite warnings not to inhale them. Social media videos have also contributed to this trend by showing young people misusing the gas. Although some U.S. states have introduced age restrictions on nitrous oxide sales, there are no nationwide rules limiting access. The FDA continues to regulate nitrous oxide as a medical product in healthcare settings, but its control over cooking-related products is unclear. Health officials stress the importance of raising public awareness about the serious risks of nitrous oxide misuse.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that inhaling nitrous oxide can cause dangerously low blood pressure, which may lead to unconsciousness and serious harm. Poison control centers have reported more emergency calls involving people who collapsed after using the gas improperly. The FDA believes this increase is linked to flavored nitrous oxide products sold for cooking, despite warnings not to inhale them. Social media videos have also contributed to this trend by showing young people misusing the gas. Although some U.S. states have introduced age restrictions on nitrous oxide sales, there are no nationwide rules limiting access. The FDA continues to regulate nitrous oxide as a medical product in healthcare settings, but its control over cooking-related products is unclear. Health officials stress the importance of raising public awareness about the serious risks of nitrous oxide misuse.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is another name for nitrous oxide?
- Where is nitrous oxide normally used as a sedative?
- What health problem can inhaling nitrous oxide cause?
- Why do some people still misuse nitrous oxide even though there are warnings?
- What serious condition may happen if someone’s blood pressure becomes too low?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a product in colorful packaging that looked interesting to you? If so, what made it stand out to you? If not, what kind of product do you think would catch your attention in a store?
- Have you ever watched a video online that showed someone trying something risky or unsafe? If so, what was it about, and what did you think? If not, why do you think people post these kinds of videos?
- Do you agree that products with bright, fun designs can sometimes make people forget about the risks?
- Why do you think some people ignore safety warnings on products, even when they know there are risks?
- Do you think colorful packaging makes certain products seem less dangerous? What could companies do to make their products look fun but still safe?