Research has shown that indoor air quality is often poorer than outdoor air quality, even when one lives in a particularly polluted area. This is due to a variety of factors that include everything from cooking to cleaning. And while it is more common in __1__ countries to have poor indoor air quality, in reality, it’s a problem everywhere.
Cooking is probably the biggest cause of indoor air pollution. Smoke and food particles released into the air during cooking can have a(n) __2__ impact on people’s health. Households that cook over open flames—like many low-income households around the world—also add more smoke and harmful gases to the mix. But even high-tech devices like ovens and air fryers cause huge outputs of PM2.5 pollution, the smallest __3__ of pollution, which has a significant impact on health.
particle [ ˈpɑrtɪkl̩ ] n. 微粒，顆粒 high-tech [ ˌhaɪˈtɛk ] a. 高科技的 an air fryer（使用極少量或不用油的）氣炸鍋
In addition, common household materials like cleaning products, paints, air fresheners, and even the glues that hold furniture together can __4__ to low indoor air quality. In humid areas, mold may be an issue, while in dry areas, dust __5__ a problem. And of course, any open flames like candles, fireplaces, and incense will add to the __6__.
material [ məˈtɪrɪəl ] n. 原料，材料 air freshener空氣清新劑 mold [ mold ] n. 黴菌 incense [ ˈɪnsɛns ] n. 香
The health effects of indoor air pollution can range from issues like __7__ and asthma to certain forms of cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia. The UN __8__ 3.8 million people worldwide die as a direct result of indoor air pollution every year.
asthma [ ˈæzmə ] n. 氣喘 pneumonia [ njuˈmonjə ] n. 肺炎
So what can we do? For starters, we can use things like candles and open flames sparingly. When we are cooking, it’s important to open a window or turn on the stovetop’s __9__ fan. And it’s a good idea to regularly open windows and __10__ air in our homes. We want to feel safe and comfortable indoors, so it’s important to make sure we maintain good air quality whenever possible.
