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It is understood that publication of the draft of BS8233:2025 is imminent for release from British Standard Institution.

In preparation for the consultation the Scottish Institute of Acoustics are providing an open forum to discuss.

See below for more information regarding this meeting:

Scottish Institute of Acoustics: Deeper dive into the proposals to update BS 8233 

Thursday 9 January 2025

14:00 – 16:30 GMT.

Online only

This deeper dive into the proposals is intended to help you inform a response to consultation, which ends on 31st January. We’ll be assuming some prior knowledge of the principles of the proposals (see recording of 30th September webinar; download our IOA Conference paper). In this extended session we’ll be going into more detail.

For residential design:

• WHO 1999 Guidelines – where did they come from? WHO 2018 vs WHO1999
• Is external noise just a proxy? If we meet internal level guidelines, is the noise mitigated?
• L_max – we know it is important, but is a simplistic assessment valuable? What about the other dimensions of sleep?
• Overheating and noise – what is the supporting evidence, and how do we weave in a measure of the “overheating risk” into the noise assessment? 
• How does the proposed mitigation compare with current practice?

For non-domestic buildings:

• Increased guidance on sound insulation between spaces
• Proposals for sound absorption

Meet the speakers

Dr David Hiller, Chair of BS 8233 drafting committee. David is an Associate Director with Arup. He has 37 years experience in acoustics, noise and vibration, having previously been with the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) for 12 years. David is currently Chair of Committee B/564, responsible for BS 5228 and BS 8233.

Jack Harvie-Clark, Founding Director at Apex Acoustics, has been working in acoustics since 2000, and researching noise and ventilation for dwellings since 2013. He was the instigator and a major author of the AVO Guide, and acoustic advisor to DLUHC for the acoustics in Approved Doc O.

Dr Benjamin Fenech, Noise lead at UKHA, acoustics specialist with a special interest in the non-auditory health effects of sound and noise. Since 2013 Ben has been responsible for leading the UK Health Security Agency and its predecessor organisation’s work programme on the non-auditory health effects of sound and noise. 

Registration: There is no need to register. Please join with the following Zoom link.

Institute of Acoustics is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Actions aimed at ensuring households and businesses in Scotland boost reuse and recycling rates and cut waste have been published.

The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map sets out 11 priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated to support a transition to a circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. 

These are:

* = Relates to provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024

1. Publish a Product Stewardship Plan to set out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products by 2025/26
2. Develop an intervention plan to guide long-term work on household food waste reduction behaviour change by 2026/27
3. *Develop with stakeholders’ effective options to implement mandatory reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses from 2025/26
4. Support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets from 2025-2027
5. *Facilitate a co-design process for high quality, high performing household recycling and reuse services, 2024 – 2026
6. Review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements, 2026
7. Co-design measures to improve commercial waste service provisions, commencing by 2030
8. Develop a Residual Waste Plan to 2045, by 2027
9. Facilitate the development of a Sector-Led Plan to minimise the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector, by 2027
10. *Develop a circular economy strategy every five years, with first one published in 2026
11. *Set new circular economy targets by 2027

The Route Map is the product of extensive collaboration and engagement with the public, private and third sectors through two consultations since 2022, with consistently high levels of support for the proposals.

The overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, and the actions in the Route Map complement provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.  

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin launched the Route Map at a visit to Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture into new items.

She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis. 

“We must make the circular option, where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled, an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.

“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”

Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project said: “We pride ourselves on our initiatives to repurpose, recycle and reuse through our wood workshop, and Tartan shop. Old furniture, church pews and fallen trees are donated and re-worked into beautiful pieces of furniture or small household items. Leftover tartan from weavers, and donated fabric scraps are handcrafted into beautiful gifts.

“These materials, once considered waste and destined for landfill, are now valuable contributors to the circular economy. Thanks to generous donations, we’re recycling these materials, giving them new purpose, and creating timeless treasures that will be passed down through generations.

“Along the way, we generate income, provide essential skills training for our members (beneficiaries) and volunteers, all of which embodies and reinforces the values of the Route Map and our commitment to the circular economy.”

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning this Christmas about unauthorised additives in imported American snacks, sweets and fizzy drinks. These products, popularised by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, are flooding UK high streets, posing serious health risks to children.

As Christmas approaches, American confectionery has become a must-have stocking filler, with children and teenagers driving demand. These brightly coloured sweets, snacks and drinks are heavily promoted by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok, where viral videos showcase ‘candy hauls’ and taste tests of imported products. The trend has grown in popularity in recent years, making these items a symbol of festive indulgence among younger audiences.

Convenience stores and high-street retailers have capitalised on this growing popularity, stocking these products in record numbers to meet seasonal demand. However, the allure of American candy often masks serious risks. Many of these imported products fail to meet UK safety and legal standards, lacking proper allergen declarations or containing unauthorised additives with known health risks.

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has been leading efforts to address the growing issue of unsafe American confectionery. During a recent pilot project funded by the Food Standards Agency, they seized 3,378 items valued at £8,500 from local shops. These products, often manufactured for foreign markets, contained unauthorised additives such as:

• Yellow 6 (E110): Found in corn-based snacks, linked to hyperactivity in children .
• Carrageenan: Used in jelly cups, posing a choking hazard for children. 
• EDTA: An additive prohibited in drinks, linked to developmental issues in animal studies.

The inspections revealed 89% failed to comply among shops, with common issues including:

• Products containing unauthorised additives. (1)
• Missing English labelling or allergen declarations. (2)
• Expired products still being sold. (3)

In addition to these findings, recent actions by Staffordshire’s Trading Standards team have uncovered further concerning statistics. Approximately 3,700 non-compliant products valued at £10,300 were confiscated during inspections, including:

• 1,750 cans/bottles of drinks containing EDTA.
• 1,545 packets of crisps containing Yellow 6 (E110).
• 400 packets of sweets containing mineral oil, bleached flour, or carrageenan.

These inspections also highlighted a 25% failure to comply rate in stores where American confectionery was identified and subsequently removed from shelves. These products, often referred to as ‘grey market goods’, are manufactured for foreign markets and fail to comply with UK food safety standards.

Operation Tootsie, an earlier Trading Standards initiative, further emphasised the scope of the problem, revealing a 77% failure rate among products purchased from national retailers and an even higher 91% failure rate among importers.

Dean Cooke, CTSI Lead Officer for Food, explained:

“Social media has amplified the demand for American sweets, with influencers on platforms like TikTok showcasing these colourful products in ways that appeal to children and teenagers. While this drives seasonal sales, it also creates a dangerous market for items that fail to meet UK safety standards. Retailers must take responsibility to ensure compliance, and parents need to be vigilant in checking labels to protect their children from potential harm.

“Importers, by law, have to re-label products with a UK/GB address. If there is any problem with the food, customers and Trading Standards may need to contact a legally responsible person in this country. If food does not have a UK/GB address on the label, we would advise for them not to buy it.”

Councillor Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, added:

“Our Trading Standards team works tirelessly to ensure that food sold in Staffordshire complies with safety standards. During this pilot project, we were alarmed to find over 3,300 unsafe items on sale, many of which contained unauthorised ingredients and were targeted at children. These items are often poorly labelled and can contain harmful additives, posing serious public health concerns. Parents need to stay alert and avoid products with unclear labelling, especially during the festive season.”

Consumers are urged to scrutinise labels for compliance. Items labelled with American weight measurements (ounces, fluid ounces) are likely imports. These products must adhere to UK food safety standards, including accurate allergen labelling and exclusion of unauthorised additives.

Trading Standards continue to tackle this growing issue through targeted operations, including working with national retailers and wholesalers. Anyone unsure about the safety of products in England and Wales can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. You can get consumer advice applying to Northern Ireland by calling Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Consumers In Scotland should contact Consumer Advice Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000.

Salford City Council Trading Standards have produced some really useful resources to help explain the issues with clear examples of what to look out for:

Consumer Advice leaflet

Business Advice Leaflet

Global Action Plan, organisers of Clean Air Day, have announced the return of Clean Air Night, the first of which took place in January of this year. 

Taking place on Wednesday 22nd January 2025, this year’s event will focus on the health damage caused by domestic wood burning.

The campaign takes a three-pronged attack on the subject:

1. Wood burning harms your wallet
2. Wood burning harms your health
3. Wood burning harms the planet

The report takes aim at the current implementation of Smoke Control areas (SCAs) which, it claims is fundamentally flawed.  Changes proposed include extended them to cover the whole of the UK – with exemptions for home with no alternative source of heating – toughening their scope to cover Ecodesign stoves and giving local authorities greater powers to enforce them.

Other measures suggested by the report are: 

• A public information campaign to increase understanding about the health harms of wood/solid fuel burning stoves and open fires.
• Increased regulation of the advertising of both wood burning stoves and fuel.
• Increased powers to enable local authorities to tackle the air pollution produced by domestic burning in a way they deem to be most appropriate for their local area

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan said: ‘Domestic burning is the biggest source of small particle air pollution in the UK and can cause significant harm to everyone’s health. Over the next five years, the government’s strategy needs to evolve from encouraging people to ‘burn better’ to phasing out this source of harmful air pollution, starting with those homes – most typically, but not exclusively, in our towns and cities – where a fire is a secondary and therefore unnecessary heating source. The report we are sharing today sets out a policy pathway to curb this growing pollution problem and protect public health and the planet, a journey that must start now.’

Read Action for Clean Air: evidence and resources on domestic burning here.

University of Birmingham researchers have found that biomass burning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter levels in the region.

The researchers found that biomass burning, primarily from woodburning activities, such as heating homes using woodburning stoves or logs on open fires, contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) levels in the region – accounting for some 20% of the total PM_2.5 mass.

Publishing their findings in Atmospheric Environment, the researchers call for targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with PM_2.5 emissions from woodburning activities.

The experts found woodburning-related PM_2.5 concentrations seven times higher than those observed in 2008-2010. They also discovered that the impact of woodburning is particularly pronounced during winter months, contributing up to around half of PM_2.5 concentrations – a seasonal spike attributed to people heating their homes.

Lead author Dr Deepchandra Srivastava commented: “Our study highlights the significant increase in woodburning activity in the past 10 years, making it one of the most important sources of air pollution in the West Midlands.”

Lead investigator of the study, Professor Zongbo Shi commented: “We need to see immediate and coordinated actions at local and national levels to reduce wood burning, improve air quality – including enhancement and enforcement of smoke control areas to curb emissions from woodburning stoves and open fires. This has great potential to reduce PM_2.5-related health risks and decrease mortality in the region.”

The experts also recommend raising public awareness about the health impacts of woodburning and promoting best practices, such as burning only dry, seasoned wood and maintaining stoves properly, as crucial steps in reducing pollution.

Researchers are also calling for local regulations to be strengthened to promote the use of cleaner alternatives, such as electric heating or heat pumps. They say that, to further improve air quality in the West Midlands, wider national and international policy interventions are also needed to address regional and transboundary PM_2.5-related exposure.

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan said: “Lighting fires in our homes is now the largest source of toxic fine particle air pollution in the UK, presenting a range of serious health risks including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.

“Despite growing evidence of the UK’s burning problem – like this new research from the University of Birmingham – many people are still unaware that wood burning is harming our health and the planet.

“While many work to communicate these harms through moments such as Clean Air Night, we need urgent action from central government to share these harms with people across the UK and empower local authorities to tackle this growing source of air pollution in ways that are appropriate for their local communities. Join people across the country in learning the facts about wood burning this Clean Air Night (22 January 2025).”

This research was conducted as part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme (WM-Air), led by Professor William Bloss. Researchers analysed PM_2.5 samples collected in 2021 and 2022 at two urban background sites in Birmingham, utilizing advanced receptor modelling techniques to identify and quantify pollution sources.

UK Government have published United Kingdom Food Security Report report covering food safety in the supply chain. . There are five themes, including one on food safety and consumer confidence.

The data provide some insight into the safety of the UK food chain, consumer confidence and public trust in the UK food system. These insights help regulators, enforcement authorities and wider government to understand the agency of the consumer, and their ability to access and utilise food, which are important factors to consider in the UKFSR’s assessment of food security.

The overall findings are:

The results of UK consumer surveys indicate that the levels of trust in the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have remained relatively high. Of the consumers surveyed by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland, a majority report that they trust them to do their job. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, reported levels of trust in the FSA ranged from 69% to 78% between July 2020 and July 2023. In Scotland, reported levels of trust ranged from 71% to 81% between December 2020 and December 2023.

he number of people reporting concerns about food prices has risen since 2021. In 2023, food prices became the top food-related prompted concern among UK consumers. 93% of respondents surveyed in Scotland were concerned about the cost of food and 72% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Due to differences in data collection, survey results from England, Wales and Northern Ireland cannot be compared with those from Scotland.

Approximately a quarter of all incidents reported over the last 3 years involved the identification of microorganisms. Approximately 26% of all incidents reported over the last 3 years related to the identification of microorganisms that have the potential to cause illness (such as Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, Listeria and Salmonella); and required action to be taken by authorities and food businesses to protect consumers.

There have generally remained relatively stable trends in laboratory-confirmed reports of pathogens that can cause foodborne gastrointestinal disease
Campylobacter spp. continued to be the most frequently reported bacterial pathogen causing infectious gastrointestinal disease in the UK, followed by non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. The proportional trends in causative agents, hospitalisation rates and associated foods implicated in the investigations were generally consistent with trends observed in the last decade with the exception of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) and other diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) in 2023.

Of the businesses inspected, analysis indicates an upward trend in food business hygiene compliance. An average of 92.3% of inspected businesses in Scotland achieved a ‘Pass’ under the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) between 2020/21 and 2023/24. However, there is still a backlog in the number of businesses awaiting inspection.

A number of food and drink businesses in Scotland have been awarded funding from a new grant developed to support Scotland’s food service sector. The Healthier Food Service Fund is the latest industry support measure developed by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Programme, in partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

The initiative supports small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers supplying the out-of-home environment, which includes cafes, restaurants, and workplace dining. Recipients of the fund will receive up to £5,000, which is provided by FSS. This will be used in conjunction with the free reformulation support provided by the Reformulation for Health Programme. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government to help Scottish SME food and drink manufacturers make recipe adjustments which will make products healthier, helping to improve the nation’s dietary health.

This support package will help make healthier products available to consumers, by reducing fat, sugar, calories or salt, or increasing fibre, wholegrain, or fruit and vegetables in existing food and drink products.

Consumers across Scotland are set to benefit, with successful businesses spanning the nation. This includes Aberdeen-based Sandwich Larder which supplies sandwiches and snacks to NHS hospitals. While Brose Oats based in East Linton will use the funding to reduce the natural sugars and saturated fat in its chocolate oat milk, which is a firm favourite with their younger consumers. Edinburgh-based Saltire Patisserie will boost the health credentials of its popular bagel range by increasing the fibre and reducing the sodium content. These are supplied into the higher and further education sector, benefitting the dietary health of young adults across Scotland.

Meanwhile Malcolm Allan is set to reduce the sodium content of their much-loved steak pies and sausages, reviewing options for making the products healthier while maintaining the flavour and taste. Fans of bubble tea in Glasgow will benefit from the development of lower sugar boba-tea flavour options by Tempo Tea Bar. While Newton Stewart-based Rowan Glen will reduce the sugar content of yoghurts supplied to schools, while also exploring opportunities to add Vitamin D and fibre. Further businesses to receive support include well-loved Scottish brands Macsween of Edinburgh and Ayrshire-based Brownings the Bakers.

Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said: 

“We are delighted to support businesses that supply the food service sector in overcoming the challenges of reformulation and in making healthier options easier for consumers. The Reformulation for Health Programme has supported innovative projects that have removed billions of calories from Scottish food products in line with public health goals and we look forward to seeing these businesses achieve similar success.”

Lesley Curtis, Public Health Nutrition Advisor at FSS, said: 

”Evidence shows that reformulation, for example, by reducing portion size or calories, is one of the most effective ways industry can help improve dietary health in Scotland. Food and drinks purchased when eating out or on the go foods tend to be higher in calories, fat, sugar and salt than those we buy from supermarkets.

“FSS is pleased to be supporting the food service sector in Scotland to engage in reformulating their products to ensure people can access healthier food when away from home, which can lead to a positive change to public health.”

If food and drink businesses are interested in finding out more about how FDF Scotland can support you with recipe reformulation please email reformulation@fdfscotland.org.uk.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published the annual EU One Health Zoonoses Report.

The main findings are, in 2023, listeriosis cases reached their highest level since 2007, while campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remained the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in the EU. Overall, reported cases of zoonotic diseases in humans increased, but foodborne outbreaks saw a slight decline.

The number of reported human cases of listeriosis (2,952) showed a consistent rise over the 2019–2023 period, hitting their highest levels since 2007. This might be linked to Europe’s ageing population — 21.3% of Europeans are now over 65 years old — which, in connection with the growing prevalence of chronic age-related diseases, raises the risk of severe symptoms in older age groups. Contaminated ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, such as cold smoked salmon, meat products and dairy products, are the most common source of infections. The latest data show that the proportion of samples from RTE food categories that exceed food safety contamination limits for Listeria monocytogenes ranged from 0.11% to 0.78%, with the highest level reported for fermented sausages.

Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in humans in the EU. In 2023, 148,181 campylobacteriosis cases were reported, marking an increase from 139,225 in 2022. After campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis was the second most reported gastrointestinal infection in humans, with 77,486 cases, compared to 65,478 cases in 2022.

The report also monitors foodborne outbreaks in the EU, defined as events during which at least two people contract the same illness from the same contaminated food. A total of 5,691 foodborne outbreaks were reported in 2023, registering a slight decrease compared to the previous year. However, the number of human cases, hospitalisations, and deaths increased, with fatalities reaching their highest level in a decade. Salmonella remained the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks, cases, hospitalisations and deaths. The increased use of whole genome sequencing improved the sensitivity of surveillance, enhancing the ability to detect outbreaks in Member States that implemented it.

One Health is a multi-sectoral approach that aims to balance and optimise the health of people, animals, plants and their shared environment, recognising their interconnection. By promoting joint actions, One Health brings together professionals from various disciplines to tackle complex health threats in an integrated manner..

An interactive map showing information about publicly-owned land, as well as land managed by Scottish Crown Estate, has been created.

The public land map allows anyone to view the location and range of much of the public land in Scotland. Users can explore information on individual land parcels, including its ownership and size.

The information has been brought together as a searchable map for the first time to include land managed by Crown Estate Scotland and the four main landowning public bodies in Scotland; Forestry and Land Scotland, NatureScot, Scottish Water and the Scottish Ministers Crofting and Farming Estate.

Public and Scottish Crown Estate managed land makes up 11% of Scotland – equivalent to around 857,000 hectares – making it a vital national asset in tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Rural Affairs and Land Reform Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“I would like to thank all of our partners who have helped develop this resource that will allow people to explore the range of public or Scottish Crown Estate land in Scotland. Given the scale of it, at more than 10% of Scotland, this land provides us with opportunities for increasing opportunities for agriculture, woodland creation and peatland restoration, which in tandem with the existing capacity for timber production and renewable energy generation, are crucial to reducing our emissions.

“This is a significant demonstration of our commitment to providing transparency of public land ownership in Scotland.”

Ronan O’Hara, Chief Executive of Crown Estate Scotland, said:

“Crown Estate Scotland’s land and assets – which are held in trust for the people of Scotland – represent both a crucial resource and a key part of the country’s natural landscape.

“Crown Estate Scotland wants these assets to be used for the long-term benefit of the people of Scotland and we are delighted to be as open and transparent about those assets as possible. This is to make sure people know what is being held on their behalf and what we are doing to protect those assets for the long term.”

The REHIS office will close at 3pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will re-open on Friday 3 January.  If you have an urgent query, please email contact@

The IFEH Magazine Environment & Health International Volume 24 No 3, Nov 2024 Edition is now available here

Annual General Meeting

The Institute’s Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 22 November at the COSLA Conference Centre in Edinburgh with a good turnout from members, some in person and others online.  Lynn Crothers gave her Presidential Report reflecting on the previous year in her role as President with Martin Henry, Honorary Treasurer giving the financial update. 

Alan Morrison has now been installed as the Institute’s President for the coming year. Congratulations to Alan and all the newly elected Members of the Council.  You can view the Council Members here. MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL – REHIS

Martin Henry and Lynn Crothers       

Alan Morrison, President

Prior to the AGM was the Institute’s annual Environmental Health Update where we heard from an excellent line up of speakers including Dr Margaret Douglas of Public Health Scotland speaking about Transport Poverty and Dr Maria Rossi speaking about “Developing a Population Health Framework for Scotland”. The presentations from the event will soon be available on the REHIS Members area. 

REHIS Annual Environmental Public Health and Housing Update, 27 November 2024

The annual Public Health and Housing update event is being held on 27 November.  Presenters include Dr Tim Everett speaking on the Effectiveness of Statutory Nuisance, Jim Wilson from Scottish Government speaking on Responsible Dog ownership, Dr Neil Cunningham speaking on the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health, Food & Security and also Robin Mitchell speaking on Cryptosporidium and Swimming Pools.  To book a place please click hereEnvironmental Public Health & Housing Update – REHIS

Coming soon – Investigative Interview Training, 28, 29 and 30 January 2025

The Institute is hosting an ‘Investigative Interview Training’ course in January, to be held in Stirling, which is being delivered jointly by George Barnsley and Applied Theatre.  More information on this event will be out very soon.