理工類考試備考資料AB級：Mobile Phones

　　Mobile phones should carry a label if they proved to be a dangerous source of radiation， according to Robert Bell， a scientist. And no more mobile phone transmitter towers (發射塔) should be built until the long-term health effects of the radiation they emit (放射) is scientifically evaluated， he said. "Nobodys going to drop dead overnight but we should be asking for more scientific information，" Robert Bell said at a conference on the health effects of low-level radiation. "If mobile phones are found to be dangerous， they should carry a warning label until proper shields can be devised，" he said.

　　A report widely circulated (傳播) among the public says that up to now scientists do not really know enough to guarantee there are no ill effects on humans from radiation. According to Robert Bell， there are 3.3 million mobile phones in Australia alone and they are increasing by 2，000 a day. By the year 2000 it is estimated that Australia will have 8 million mobile phones： nearly one for every two people.

　　As well， there are 2，000 transmitter towers around Australia， many in high density (密度) residential areas. For example， Telstra， Optus and Vodaphone build their towers where it is geographically suitable to them and disregard the need of the community. The radiation emitted from these towers may have already produced some harmful effects on the health of the residents nearby.

　　Robert Bell suggests that until more research is completed the government should ban construction of phone towers from within a 500 meter radius (半徑) of school grounds， child care centers， hospitals， sports playing fields and residential areas with a high percentage of children. He says there is emerging evidence that children absorb low-level radiation at a rate more than three times that of adults. He adds that there is also evidence that if cancer sufferers are subjected to radiation the growth rate of the disease accelerates (提高).

　　Robert Bell calls on the major telephone companies to fund adequate research and urges (敦促) the government. to set up a wide ranging inquiry into possible health effects.

　　1 According to Robert Bell， if mobile phones prove to be dangerous to peoples health.

　　A they should be banned immediately.

　　B the use of them should be restricted.

　　C all transmitter towers should be torn down.

　　D a warning label should be attached.

　　2 How many mobile phone users will there be in Australia by the year 2000 according to the passage?

　　A 3.3 million.

　　B Almost half of the population.

　　C One third of the population.

　　D One fourth of the population.

　　3 Many transmitter towers were built

　　A on high mountains.

　　B in places suitable to the phone users.

　　C in areas which can take in radiation.

　　D in densely populated areas.

　　4 Who absorb low-level radiation at a higher rate than the others?

　　A Children.

　　B Men.

　　C Women.

　　D Old people.

　　5 This article mainly argues that

　　A the government should restrict the number of mobile phone users.

　　B mobile phones may have ill effects on people.

　　C mobile phones have proved to be harmless to peoples health.

　　D no more phone towers should be constructed.