ESL Podcast 930 – Fearing Bioterrorism

 　　Natalie: Why are you wearing that gas mask?

　　Anton: I’m getting used to it. If we ever have a bioterrorist attack, I’ll be ready. Want to try one on?

　　Natalie: No, thanks. If we get involved in biological warfare¹, I think we’ll have some warning.

　　Anton: That’s what you think. Airborne toxins², bacteria, or viruses could be in the air right now, and you and I wouldn’t be able to detect it. It could infect you in the blink of an eye.

　　Natalie: Then I’ll be sick or dead anyway. So who cares?

　　Anton: I said we wouldn’t be able to detect it, but there are agencies with early detection equipment that could. As soon as they sound the alarm, we can put on our gas masks and take other precautions.

　　Natalie: If we’re really attacked by bioterrorists, what good is early detection? It’s not like you can really escape the toxins.

　　Anton: Don’t pooh- pooh these preparations. They could be the difference between life and death when the time comes.

　　Natalie: Right. In the meantime, I think I’ll just get dressed – without the stylish³ gas mask.

　　Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 warfare   

n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突

参考例句：

• He addressed the audience on the subject of atomic warfare.他向听众演讲有关原子战争的问题。
• Their struggle consists mainly in peasant guerrilla warfare.他们的斗争主要是农民游击战。

2 toxins   

n.毒素( toxin的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The seas have been used as a receptacle for a range of industrial toxins. 海洋成了各种有毒工业废料的大容器。
• Most toxins are naturally excreted from the body. 大部分毒素被自然排出体外。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 stylish   

adj.流行的，时髦的；漂亮的，气派的

参考例句：

• He's a stylish dresser.他是个穿着很有格调的人。
• What stylish women are wearing in Paris will be worn by women all over the world.巴黎女性时装往往会引导世界时装潮流。