Question

Breathing in polluted air on busy roads is as harmful as passively smoking ten cigarettes a day, new research has found. The drop in pollution had the same effects as avoiding four cigarettes a day. One of the researchers, Saskia van der Zee, explained why they compared the effects of pollution lo passive smoking. “We thought that passive smoking would be easier to understand,” she told The Times. ‘‘You don’t want your neighbors to come into your house and smoke three cigarettes every day.”

Earlier this week, doctors warned that Britain is facing a major health emergency unless diesel(柴油)cars are taken off the roads. Emissions (排放物) from diesel cars arc already contributing to smog which has been linked to the deaths of 40,000 people a year. Health charities, medical leaders and environmental groups have called for a modern Clean Air Act lo bring pollution under control. Separately, more than 300 doctors in the Doctors Against Diesel group have written to Theresa May, calling for a diesel reduction.

Professor John Middleton, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, said, “Diesel is the primary source of nitrogen dioxide(二氧化氮)in urban areas and is linked to health effects that begin before birth and extend throughout life, from childhood lung development to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. It is high lime lo handle the problem.”

London is already planning to introduce an “emission zone” which diesel drivers would be charged to enter, and other cities are set to follow. But exerts are desperate to find new ways to control the damage done by pollution. Diesel drivers in Westminster have been told they may soon be charged 50 percent extra for on-street parking. And Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London，submitted a £ 3,500 plan to encourage drivers to switch to petrol or electric cars.

“Cutting diesel emissions would therefore have an immediate effect on children’s personal exposure, and improve their long-term health.” A government spokesman said.

1.Why did the researchers compare pollution to smoking?

A. It’s easier for people to understand.

B. It’s hard for people to quit smoking.

C. It’s a bad habit to smoke at home.

D. It’s harmful to breathe in polluted air.

2.How can the major health emergency be solved according to Britain doctors?

A. Give up smoking.

B. Abandon diesel cars.

C. Make strict laws.

D. Schedule yearly exams.

3.What can we infer from what Professor John Middleton said?

A. Cutting diesel emissions is urgent.

B. Prevention is better than relief.

C. Children are the worst victims.

D. People ignored the harm of diesel.

4.What is the purpose of the plan put forward by Sadiq Khan?

A. To improve air quality with high technology.

B. To limit the total number of cars on roads.

C. To inspire people to choose greener vehicles.

D. To carry out license plate restrictions.

Answer 1