C. to describe a problem to be solved
Every day, millions of germs creep and crawl across people's bodies without them even noticing. It can be difficult to protect against things one can't see, but in the case of germs, it is important nonetheless. Though they are invisible, germs have very real effects as they cause people to get sick regularly. Antibacterial products reduce or get rid of the bacteria that can lead to infections, illnesses, or other communicable diseases.
Fortunately, there are things people can do. One thing that helps is to wash one’s hands regularly with antibacterial soap and to use hand sanitizers if a sink is not nearby. In these instances, a person should use sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol levels are the best alternatives to soap and water.
Antibacterial products are especially useful in places like hospitals and nursing homes because patients' immune systems are often weakened and cannot fight off illness as easily. They help the people like doctors, nurses, and other caretakers who are in close contact with these high-risk populations as well. They are also useful in school and daycare settings, especially during outbreaks of the flu and other viruses.
People can also use antibacterial cleaning products. Though some of the ingredients in antibacterial products can have negative effects, most are harmless. Nevertheless, the problematic ingredients can be avoided with a little reading of product labels with people showing the same care that they should with any chemical product.
Passage 2
Rethinking Antibacterial Products
Many people use antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers religiously, thinking they are doing the best thing for their health to avoid getting sick. The truth, however, is that antibacterial products are not necessarily effective, and they may in fact be doing more harm than good. Antibacterial products prevent the immune system from doing its job and can sometimes have negative side effects.
According to the federal Food and Drug Administration, there is "no evidence" that antibacterial soaps are better at keeping people healthy than regular soap. Excessive use antibacterial products may actually weaken a person's immune system. Exposure to germs to a certain extent is important in order for the body to build up its defenses. When the body is exposed to germs, it becomes stronger. Therefore, trying to shield a person from these germs can have negative repercussions. Further, antibacterial products can reduce the amount of healthy bacteria on a person's body, making antibiotics less effective in the fight against new strains of bacteria, or superbugs.
When it comes to protecting the body, regular soap may be best. The FDA has found that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap and water. Plus, using soap and water does not interfere with the body's processes for fighting off disease and lacks some of the harmful ingredients found in antibacterial products.
Some of the ingredients in antibacterial products are harmful, like triclosan. Evidence suggests that children who are exposed to triclosan have a higher likelihood of developing allergies, including peanut allergies and hay fever. Scientists think that this may be because of the reduced exposure to bacteria, which could be necessary for the immune system to function well. Additionally, triclosan can be bad for the environment. When it is used in products and gets flushed down the drain, it ends up affecting sewage facilities and negatively impacting the ecosystems of surrounding water areas. Because of these concerns, the FDA now requires that antibacterial product manufacturers prove the chemicals are safe that they are effective at keeping people well.
1
What is the function of the first paragraph in the passage "Fighting Germs"?
A.
to introduce a character
B.
to ask a question to be answered
C.
to describe a problem to be solved
D.
to begin a story
1 answer