치약으로 모기를 쫓는다는 말, 정말 사실일까?
✔ 학습 목표
생활 속 민간요법을 과학적으로 검토하며,
공식 기피제와의 차이를 이해하고
정보의 신뢰성을 평가하는 독해력을 기른다.
🔹 Reading Passage
In various online discussions, a common claim often resurfaces:
applying toothpaste to the skin may help prevent mosquito bites.
The reasoning behind this belief is straightforward—
toothpaste has a strong scent, so it might overwhelm or repel mosquitoes.
But how accurate is this idea from a scientific perspective?
Toothpaste typically contains compounds like menthol,
which produce a cool, minty aroma.
Menthol may briefly irritate a mosquito’s antennae,
which are used to detect chemical and thermal signals.
However, this effect is neither consistent nor long-lasting.
More importantly, mosquitoes are primarily drawn to carbon dioxide,
body heat, and skin-emitted chemicals—factors unaffected by toothpaste.
In contrast, substances such as DEET and picaridin,
commonly found in certified mosquito repellents,
have undergone rigorous testing.
These ingredients disrupt the insect’s sensory processing,
creating an invisible “mask” that makes it harder to locate human hosts.
Their effects are not only scientifically validated,
but also durable under real-world conditions.
Moreover, using toothpaste on skin can pose risks.
Designed for cleaning teeth, toothpaste contains abrasives, fluoride,
and other ingredients not intended for direct application to sensitive skin.
Misuse can result in irritation, rashes, or even chemical burns in rare cases.
In summary, while toothpaste may provide a fleeting sensation or scent
that slightly disturbs mosquitoes,
it is neither a reliable nor a safe method of protection.
Scientifically approved repellents remain the most effective defense—
especially in regions where mosquito-borne diseases are a serious threat.
🔹 어휘 정리표
| 영어 단어 | Meaning | 뜻 | 예문 |
|---|---|---|---|
| menthol | mint-scented compound | 박하향 화합물 | Menthol gives toothpaste its fresh scent. |
| repel | to drive away or keep off | 쫓아내다, 물리치다 | Some ingredients repel mosquitoes effectively. |
| inconsistent | not regular or reliable | 일관되지 않은 | The effect of toothpaste is inconsistent. |
| irritation | skin discomfort or inflammation | 피부 자극 | Using toothpaste on skin may cause irritation. |
| picaridin | chemical mosquito repellent | 기피제 성분 | Picaridin is used in many safe repellents. |
| abrasive | a rough substance used to scrub | 연마제 | Toothpaste contains abrasives not meant for skin. |
| chemical burn | injury from strong chemical exposure | 화학 화상 | In rare cases, misuse can cause a chemical burn. |
| validated | confirmed by scientific research | 입증된 | DEET is a validated mosquito repellent. |
🗨️ picaridin이란?
→ 모기를 쫓기 위해 사용되는 안전한 화학 성분이에요.
향보다는 모기의 감각을 교란시켜 우리 몸을 찾지 못하게 해줘요.
🧪 과학 개념 한 줄 설명｜모기 유인 요인
모기는 사람의 숨, 체온, 땀 냄새에 더 민감해요.
향기만으로는 충분히 막기 어렵고,
기피제는 감각을 교란시키는 방식으로 작동해요.
🔹 Reading Comprehension Question 1
Q1. Why do some people think toothpaste repels mosquitoes?
A. It makes the skin hot
B. It contains vitamins
C. It has a strong smell like mint
D. It has mosquito-killing chemicals
🔹 Reading Comprehension Question 2
Q2. Why are official repellents more effective than toothpaste?
A. They are cheaper and more common
B. They taste better
C. They are based on natural mint
D. They are tested, safer, and scientifically proven
🔹 Vocabulary Quiz
Q3. What does “validated” mean in the passage?
A. Dangerous
B. Made-up
C. Confirmed by evidence
D. Smells strong
🔹 Grammar Quiz
Q4. Which sentence uses correct grammar and punctuation?
A. Applying toothpaste it may keeps mosquito away.
B. Toothpaste, although popular, are not recommended as repellent.
C. Toothpaste may cause irritation if it is applied to skin.
D. Toothpaste are make skin smooth.
✔ 정답 및 해설 + 오답 분석
Q1 정답: C – It has a strong smell like mint
Q2 정답: D – They are tested, safer, and scientifically proven
Q3 정답: C – Confirmed by evidence
Q4 정답: C – Toothpaste may cause irritation if it is applied to skin.
✅ Extra Grammar Note:
In conditional sentences, use “if + present simple” + result clause.
– 조건문에서는 동사 구조와 시제를 일치시켜야 자연스러워요.
💡 감성 마무리 문장
그럴 듯한 말도,
과학으로 검증해보는 습관이 우리를 더 안전하게 만들어줘요.
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