1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses a concerning incident in China where over 200 preschool children were found to have lead poisoning after being fed food containing lead-based dyes. The article provides details on the symptoms, test results, and reactions from parents.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 유치원생 | yuchiwonsaeng | preschool/kindergarten student | Over 200 preschool children were found to have lead poisoning. |
| 흰머리 | hwinmori | white/gray hair | The children’s tooth roots had turned black, a sign of lead poisoning. |
| 이가 까맣게 | iga kkamaege | teeth turned black | The children’s tooth roots had turned black, a sign of lead poisoning. |
| 있습니다 | issseumnida | to be, exist | The children were found to have lead levels over the government limit. |
| 명이 | myeongyi | name, identity | Some parents complained that the nearby hospital had said there was no problem with their children. |
| 중국 | junguk | China | In China, over 200 preschool children were found to have lead poisoning. |
| 떡 | tteok | rice cake | The preschool staff had added lead-based dyes to the children’s food, including rice cakes, to make the colors more appealing. |
| 옥수수 | oksusu | corn | The preschool staff had added lead-based dyes to the children’s food, including corn, to make the colors more appealing. |
| 납 성분 | nap seongbun | lead component | The preschool staff had added lead-based dyes to the children’s food to make the colors more appealing. |
| 첨가제 | cheomagaje | additive | The preschool staff had added lead-based dyes to the children’s food as an additive to make the colors more appealing. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
중국에서 한 유치원에 다니는 어린이 2백여 명이 한꺼번에 납 중독 증상을 보였습니다. 아이들이 먹는 음식에 납 성분이 있는 염료를 넣었던 것으로 확인됐습니다.
In China, over 200 preschool children attending a single kindergarten simultaneously showed symptoms of lead poisoning. It was confirmed that lead-based dyes had been added to the food the children were eating.
아이들의 치아 뿌리가 시커멓게 변했습니다. 이는 납 중독을 나타내는 이상 증상입니다. 혈중 납 농도를 조사한 결과, 230여 명의 원생이 중국 정부 기준치를 넘는 ‘납 중독’으로 확인됐습니다.
The children’s tooth roots had turned black, an abnormal symptom indicating lead poisoning. After investigating their blood lead levels, over 230 of the preschool students were found to have lead poisoning exceeding the Chinese government’s standard limit.
일부 학부모들은 아이들이 예전부터 메스꺼움 같은 이상 증상을 호소했지만, 인근 병원에선 문제없다고 했다고 불만을 토로했습니다. 유치원 주방 직원들이 음식 색상을 보기 좋게 하려고 납 성분이 든 염료를 아이들 음식에 넣었다는 것이 확인되었습니다.
Some parents complained that their children had previously complained of abnormal symptoms like nausea, but the nearby hospital had said there was no problem. It was confirmed that the preschool kitchen staff had added lead-based dyes to the children’s food to make the colors more appealing.
아이들의 건강이 최우선이어야 합니다. 하지만 이번 사건에서 보듯이, 아이들의 안전과 건강이 제대로 지켜지지 않고 있습니다. 유치원 측과 관련 당국은 이번 사건에 대해 철저히 조사하고 책임을 물어야 할 것입니다.
The health of children should be the top priority. However, as seen in this incident, the safety and health of children are not being properly protected. The preschool authorities and relevant government agencies must thoroughly investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable.
이번 사건은 아이들의 건강을 위협하는 심각한 문제로, 관련자들의 엄중한 처벌과 재발 방지 대책 마련이 필요합니다. 또한 유사한 사례가 발생하지 않도록 유치원 급식 관리 감독을 강화해야 할 것입니다.
This incident is a serious problem that threatens the health of children, and severe punishment of those responsible and measures to prevent recurrence are necessary. In addition, supervision of preschool meal management should be strengthened to ensure similar cases do not occur.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What happened to the preschool children in China?
- What were the symptoms of lead poisoning observed in the children?
- How many children were found to have lead levels exceeding the government limit?
- Why did the parents complain about the nearby hospital’s response?
- How did the preschool staff try to make the children’s food more appealing?
5. Cultural and historical notes
This incident highlights the importance of food safety and proper oversight in China’s preschool system. It reflects the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect the health and well-being of young children, who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure. The public outcry and parental concerns over this event underscore the ongoing challenges China faces in ensuring the safety of its children.