第2254期:Forever chemicals

Almost all of us have them in our body, they accumulate throughout our lives and they may be causing serious health conditions. They've been called 'forever chemicals', but what are they, where do they come from, and what can we do about them?

几乎我们所有人的体内都有它们，它们在我们的一生中不断积累，可能会导致严重的健康问题。 它们被称为“永远的化学物质”，但它们是什么，它们从哪里来，我们能对它们做些什么呢？

'Forever chemicals' take their name from the fact that they contain fluorine-carbon bonds, and because they last, if not forever, for a very long time. These chemical bonds are incredibly difficult to break down, which means that contaminants from these chemicals build up over time in our environment. As well as in our bodies, they've been found in the soil and in drinking water.

“永久化学品”之所以得名，是因为它们含有氟碳键，并且因为它们可以持续很长时间（即使不是永远）。 这些化学键极其难以分解，这意味着这些化学物质的污染物会随着时间的推移在我们的环境中积累。 除了我们的身体之外，它们还存在于土壤和饮用水中。

While some have now been banned, these chemicals have been used in a wide range of consumer products. They have a repellent effect on oil and water and so have been used for stain-proofing furniture and carpets. Forever chemicals have been used to make non-stick pans and grease-proof food packaging. You can find them in waterproof clothing and bicycle lubricants. Particular concern has been raised about their use in cosmetics and other personal care products. These products are often used near mucous membranes, like those in our eyes and mouths, which could make it easier for chemicals to be absorbed into our bodies.

虽然有些化学品现已被禁止，但这些化学品已广泛用于多种消费品中。 它们具有防油和防水作用，因此已用于防污家具和地毯。 Forever 化学品已用于制造不粘锅和防油食品包装。 您可以在防水衣服和自行车润滑油中找到它们。 人们特别关注它们在化妆品和其他个人护理产品中的使用。 这些产品通常在粘膜附近使用，例如我们眼睛和口腔中的粘膜，这可以使化学物质更容易被我们的身体吸收。

The exact level of risk is uncertain, but studies have suggested links between these compounds and conditions such as cancer, reproduction problems, developmental problems in children, and reduced immunity to disease. However, the level of exposure at which people become at risk is not yet clear.

确切的风险水平尚不确定，但研究表明这些化合物与癌症、生殖问题、儿童发育问题和疾病免疫力下降等疾病之间存在联系。 然而，人们面临风险的暴露水平尚不清楚。

It may be impossible to completely avoid these chemicals, but people can take steps to reduce their exposure. Air and water filters, as well as reducing the amount of dust in our living spaces is one way to do this. Another way is to carefully check the ingredients of cosmetics as well as the materials in carpets and furniture before buying them.

完全避免这些化学物质可能是不可能的，但人们可以采取措施减少接触。 空气和水过滤器以及减少生活空间中的灰尘量是实现这一目标的一种方法。 另一种方法是在购买前仔细检查化妆品的成分以及地毯和家具的材料。

词汇表

accumulate 积聚，堆积
bond （化学）键
break down 分解
contaminant 污染物
build up （逐渐）积累
consumer product 消费品
repellent effect 驱避作用
stain-proof 作防污处理
non-stick （厨具）不粘食物的
grease-proof 防油的
waterproof 防水的
lubricant 润滑油，润滑剂
cosmetics 化妆品
personal care product 个人护理产品
mucous membrane 黏膜
absorb 吸收
compound 化合物
developmental problem 发育问题
immunity 免疫，免疫力
exposure 暴露，接触
filter 过滤器