2023届高考英语三轮复习冲刺押题外刊阅读理解训练 (17)

2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题 外刊阅读理解训练17 ——改编自Does Bottled Water Go Bad? 【文章】 Bottled water is a widely consumed beverage, often purchased for immediate use or stored for emergencies. However, is it safe to store bottled water for an extended period of time? Does it really expire as indicated by the "sell-by" or "best-by" dates found on some bottles? The reason behind the expiration dates printed on bottled water has nothing to do with the quality of the water itself since pure H2O does not spoil. Instead, it's the packaging that can cause issues. Water bottles are made of plastic material that can be slightly porous, allowing air gases to enter the bottle and alter the taste and odor over time. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no requirement for water companies to provide an expiration date since the product potentially has an unlimited shelf life. The absence of such dates on even infant formula can reflect that these labels are determined by manufacturers and may not accurately forecast a decline in quality upon passing the date. However, drinking old bottled water is still something to consider. Studies suggest that storage conditions should be taken into account to preserve the water quality. When bottled water is kept in high temperatures for several weeks, antimony levels can increase in the water, although they are unlikely to negatively affect someone who drinks it. Therefore, storing bottled water properly is key to its preservation. It should be stored at room temperature or cooler, away from direct sunlight and household chemicals, which can lead to mold growth or algal blooms in the water. In conclusion, while the FDA indicates that bottled water does not expire, precautions should be taken when considering how it's stored and consumed. Proper storage conditions, such as maintaining ideal temperatures and avoiding sunlight or chemicals' exposure, can ensure that the water remains fresh for a prolonged period without impa