2014英语四级听力练习慢速4.15(2)_大学英语听力

2014英语四级听力练习慢速4.15(2)

　　The medical community has repeatedly reported reasons why smokers should stop. A new report by the acting surgeon general says recent findings show that smoking is even worse than people believe it to be. Boris Lushniak says smoking is linked to colon, rectal and liver cancers.

　　Today we know that smoking is a cause of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor response to treatment of arthritis, erectile dysfunction, an increased risk of tuberculosis, disease and death. Were adding colon, rectal and liver cancer to the long list of cancers caused by smoking.

　　Dr. Lushniak says smoking weakens the bodys natural defenses against disease, making it easier for smokers to get sick. The new report also lists the risks for people who do not smoke, but who are surrounded by what is called secondhand smoke.

　　The research shows the damaging effects on unborn children. Pregnant women who smoke are putting their unborn children at risk for both mental and physical developmental problems. For example, their facial features may not form correctly. The dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke can also affect the brain of an unborn child.

　　Number of Smokers is Expected to Grow in Asia Pacific

　　Health experts have been warning about links between smoking and disease for years. The World Health Organization says tobacco use causes almost 6 million deaths worldwide every year. The WHO predicts the yearly number will increase to 8 million by 2030.