VOA慢速英语:可预防的一氧化碳中毒依然危及众人性命

Many areas around the world suffer from frequent loss of electrical power. People often must use other sources of power, such as gasoline or diesel fuel. But these other power sources can be deadly if people do not ventilate the area in which they are used.

世界上许多地方都遭受频繁停电的影响。人们经常采用其他能源，像汽油或者柴油，来替代发电。但是如果不保持该使用范围内的通风可能会给人带来致命的伤害。

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that about 430 people die every year in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. All fuel-powered engines produce carbon monoxide.

美国疾病预防与控制中心或者CDC表示美国每年大约有430人死于一氧化碳意外中毒。一氧化碳是一种无色无味的气体。所有燃料驱动的发动机都会产生一氧化碳气体。

Recently, carbon monoxide killed eight family members as they slept in their home in the U.S. state of Maryland. An electric company had cut power to their home because the family owed the company money. They used an electric heater connected to a small gas-powered generator inside the house.

最近，在马里兰州有一家八人在睡觉时因一氧化碳中毒死亡。一家电力公司因该家庭拖欠电费切断了他们家的电源。他们只好在屋内使用一个连接小型燃气发电机来带动电加热器。

Patrick Breysse is the director of the CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. He spoke to VOA on Skype. He says the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to notice. The gas is colorless. It has no odor or taste.

Patrick Breysse是疾病预防与控制中心有毒物质和疾病登记中心的主任。他通过Skype与美国之音进行了通话。他说一氧化碳的毒性很难引起注意。因为这种气体是无色的，同时还没有其他特别的气味或者味道。

"If you happen to be sleeping at the time, all this could happen to you without your knowledge."

如果你当时正在睡觉，那么在你毫无意识的情况下你就有可能会一氧化碳中毒。

Mr. Breysse says that small, moveable gas generators are the most dangerous because people can operate them in their homes, or in a boat or even a tent. He says the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to learn how to use these gas generators safely.

Breysse说，那种小型的可携带的燃气发电机是危险指数最高的设备，因为人们可以在家中，或者船上，甚至在帐篷里都可以使用。他说，防止一氧化碳中毒最好的方法就是知道怎样安全使用燃气发电机。

"The number one step is to avoid using them in any enclosed environment like indoor space. The second this is we can encourage people to put small carbon monoxide detectors in their home environments. They are available in many parts of the world, and they are battery-operated..."

第一点是避免在封闭的环境中使用，例如室内。第二点是我们可以鼓励人们在家中安装一氧化碳探测器。这种设备在世界上许多地方都有，而且是电池供电的……

Mr. Breysse adds that deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning are always preventable. Experts say that small generators should always be located outside and at least 4.5 meters from the home.

Breysse说因一氧化碳引起的中毒死亡事件是完全可以预防的。专家称这种小型发电机只能在室外使用，并且放置地点至少要与房屋保持4.5米距离。

Scientists also warn that long-term contact with low levels of carbon monoxide can lead to difficulty thinking, memory loss and depression.

科学家还警告称长期与低浓度的一氧化碳接触可导致思考障碍，记忆丧失和抑郁。

I'm Jonathan Evans.

VOA correspondent George Putic reported this story from Washington. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

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Words in This Story

frequent – adj. happening often

ventilate – v. to permit fresh air to enter and move through a room, building, etc.

generator – n. a machine that produces electricity

odor – n. a particular smell

detector – n. a device that can tell if a substance or object is present: a device that signals the presence of something