新奇事件簿 淋浴喷头滋生细菌

Scientists have found that taking a shower might not be so good for you. New research from the University of Colorado has found there can be a build-up of harmful bacteria in showerheads. Researchers said the very first jets of water from the shower are the most dangerous. The shower acts like an aerosol¹, spraying the bacteria into the air. This means having a daily shower may not be as hygienic as we think. Scientists tested 50 different showers across nine US cities. They discovered that a third of these had very high levels of bacteria that can cause lung damage. Researcher Laura Baumgartner advised: “For most people, the answer is simple. Don’t stand in front of the shower when the first blast comes out."

科学家发现洗澡不一定有益健康。科罗拉多大学最新研究结果表明，喷头会激增有害细菌。研究人员称，喷头刚开启时危害最大。淋浴如同喷雾剂，将细菌喷入空中。对于整天洗澡的人群，他们的洁净程度没我们想的那么高。科学家对全美6座城市的50种不同淋浴器进行了监测。发现三分之一的细菌含量过高，这将导致肺损伤。研究人员劳拉·鲍姆加特纳建议：“对于多数人而言，方法很简单。当水刚刚涌出时，不要在淋浴器面前站立。”

The research is part of a wider project that is looking at our daily environment. In particular, the research team is looking at the microbiology of water and air in schools, homes and public buildings. Research into the bathroom environment provided interesting results. Ms. Baumgartner said showers were more dangerous than baths because they act like aerosol sprays. Showerheads are much harder to clean than baths because they are enclosed. Furthermore, it is easier for us to inhale² the bacteria into our lungs because of the steam in the shower. Baumgartner did say we should not be too concerned about her discovery: "I take showers every day, and I’m not at all worried," she said.

该项调查是日常环境研究项目的一部分。就水和空气中的微生物含量，研究小组对学校、住所以及公共建筑进行了调查。而通过对卫生间环境调查，研究人员得出了有趣结论。鲍姆加特纳女士称，淋浴器比浴缸更加危险，因为它充当了喷雾剂的功效。由于喷头是封闭式，所以它比浴缸更难清理。此外由于淋浴中的水蒸气，细菌更容易进入肺部。鲍姆加特纳还称，人们不要对该项研究过于担心，称我每天都会淋浴，但我自己一点都不担心。

1 aerosol   

n.悬浮尘粒，气溶胶，烟雾剂，喷雾器

参考例句：

• They sprayed aerosol insect repellent into the faces of police.他们将喷雾驱虫剂喷在了警察的脸上。
• Aerosol particles affect visibility,climate,and our health and quality of life.气溶胶对大气能见度、气候变化以及人类健康等有重要影响。

2 inhale   

v.吸入(气体等)，吸(烟)

参考例句：

• Don't inhale dust into your lung.别把灰尘吸进肺里。
• They are pleased to not inhale second hand smoke.他们很高兴他们再也不会吸到二手烟了。