Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- wipe down / waɪp daʊn / (phrasal v.) – to clean a surface using a cloth
Example:Wipe down the table after eating.
- compromised / ˈkɒm prəˌmaɪzd / (adj.) – unable to work or function fully because of a weakness or damage
Example:A lot of people stopped using the mobile payment app because of its compromised security.
- recall / rɪˈkɔl / (v.) – to ask people to return a product because something is wrong with it
Example:The cosmetic store recalled its newest makeup product after several customers complained of allergies.
- scented / ˈsɛn tɪd / (adj.) – having a very good or pleasant smell
Example:I used scented candles to make my room smell good.
- inhale / ɪnˈheɪl / (v.) – to breathe in something such as air, gas, smoke, etc.
Example:Employees of the factory were rushed to the hospital after inhaling harmful chemicals.
Article
Read the text below.
If you’re thinking of wiping down your kitchen with that bottle of Pine-Sol all-purpose cleaner under your sink — stop. It may contain bacteria that could cause serious illness in people with compromised immune systems.
The Clorox Company said it has recalled its scented multi-surface cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. The recall doesn’t include its iconic original pine-scented Pine-Sol, which is its only product registered as a disinfectant.
The products recalled by the Oakland, California-based company also include scented CloroxPro Pine-Sol All Purpose Cleaners and Clorox Professional Pine-Sol Lemon Fresh Cleaners, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.
The products “may contain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an environmental organism found widely in soil and water,” the commission said.
“The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria,” the commission said.
Testing identified bacteria in the recalled products produced between January 2021 and September 2022, the commission said. It said consumers should take pictures of the 12-digit UPC code and the date code, throw the product in its container in the trash, and contact the company for a refund.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- If you were one of those who bought the products being recalled by The Clorox Company, would you be happy with the refund? Do you think receiving a refund is enough or should the company do something else? Why? Discuss.
- Do you think product recalls are normal? Why or why not? Would you still buy products from a brand that had a recall incident? Discuss.
Discussion B
- What particular cleaning products do you use at home? What do you look for when buying cleaning products? Discuss.
- In your opinion, should people start using non-chemical or natural cleaning products to ensure that there aren’t any health risks? Why or why not? Have you ever tried using a natural cleaning product? Discuss.