Iodine (碘）– rich salt was the hottest item on Chinese shelves Thursday, being snapped up (抢购) by shoppers after rumors spread that iodine intake could help protect one’s body from radiation damage, although the authorities have confirmed that the nuclear crisis in Japan had not affected China.
Rumors also spread about radioactive substances being leaked into ocean water that could pollute Chinese coasts.
The crazy buying has occu
rred nationwide, from the supposedly easily – harmed eastern coastal provinces to regions far – inland such as Xinjiang.
Supermarkets and convenience stores began reporting the lack of salt stocks from early Wednesday, with all salt sold out at many Carrefour and Wal – Mart stores. Some online clothes stores have begun offering salt as a bonus to customers.
Relevant government departments were trying hard to stop this round of panic – buying.
The Ministry of Health deniedthe rumor that eating more iodine – rich salt could repair damage from radiation, saying that it is technically impossible to absorb enough iodine for radiation prevention from eating salt.
The government urges the local market authorities to keep all salt sellers in check and to prevent storing and overpricing.
Also the spokesman of the government said that China’s seawater, as a source of salt, would not be affected by the nuclear crisis, as it would be impossible for radioactive substances to reach Chinese waters via the eastward ocean current.
“Reasons behind the salt rush include unclear information on the development of the nuclear crisis and terrifying media reports of the severity of a possible complete meltdown. If the fear of a Chernobyl – like catastrophe cannot be ended, the crazy buying will likely continue,” said a professor from Beijing University.
Beijing urged Tokyo Thursday to better release information at the Fukushima plant.
小题1:What caused the crazy buying of iodine – rich salt?
A．The rumor caused by the unclear information.
B．The shortage of iodine – rich salt in stores.
C．The multi – functions of iodine in salt.
D．The richness of iodine in salt in China.小题2:Some online clothes stores began offering salt as a bonus to customers because _______.
A．they can increase their sales by doing so B．the salt from them is more effective
C．the customers prefer to buy salt on line D．the salt from the on-line store is free
小题3:It’s quite clear that some sellers want to store iodine-rich salt is to _______.
A．increase the sales of related products
B．raise the price of products online
C．make more money from it
D．meet the needs of the market小题4:Why is it impossible for radioactive substances to reach Chinese waters?
A．The ocean is really too large.
B．The distance from Japan is too far.
C．The nuclear pollution is not so serious.
D．The ocean current is eastward.小题5:Which of the following should be the best title of the passage?
A．Panic Salt Buying Creates Bitter Crisis
B．Effect of the Terrible Disaster in Japan
C．A Rumor Throughout the Country.
D．Iodine-rich Salt Prevents Radiation.
