environment

Reading comprehension

Choose the correct answer for the following questions:

1 What was the original aim of introducing compact fluorescent light bulbs?

a. to help households save money

b. to use recyclable materials to make light bulbs

c. to replace less environmentally-friendly light sources in order to cut carbon dioxide emissions

d. to phase out incandescent light bulbs which contain toxins

2 What can mercury do to people's health and the environment?

i) Even small quantities affect the central nervous system

ii) It causes skin infections

iii) It can penetrate into soil and enter the food chain

a. i) only

b. ii) only

c. i) and ii)

d. i) and iii)

3 Which of the following statements about Hong Kong's treatment of CFLs is correct?

a. Authorities discourage people from using CFLs because the mercury can potentially ruin their health.

b. Officials require companies to send used CFLs to a chemical waste treatment plant.

c. Households are required by law to send used CFLs to a chemical waste treatment plant.

d Buyers of CFLs must bring along their used CFLs to shops.

4 How many workers in a Foshan light bulb factory are said to have suffered chronic mercury poisoning?

a. 500

b. 143

c. 9

d. 1

Think about

1 What questions should people be asking when thinking about buying a new green product?

2 How can we reduce the environmental hazards of used CFLs? What measures should be implemented along with initiatives to promote their use?

3 How do you decide between incandescent light bulbs and CFLs?

Compare the costs, environmental concerns and lifespan of each option to help you make a decision.

4 Why are CFLs still considered greener than traditional light bulbs?

Follow-up activities

1 Count the number of incandescent lights and CFLs used in your school.

2 Mercury is also used in products such as cosmetics and thermometers. Find news about mercury poisoning from such goods.

Answers:

March 16

Reading comprehension: 1. d, 2. b, 3. b, 4. d