Flock worker’s lung was a condition that arose within workers of a Rhode Island plant that processed nylon flock. Nylon flock are short, plastic fibres used to make velvet-like materials used in upholstery, blankets, and clothing. These workers were three times more likely to develop lung cancer than other people in the area who didn’t work at the plant. When some of the dead workers’ lungs were examined, scientists found nylon fibres lodged in the lung tissue, making this the first known case of microplastics causing cancer in humans. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
