Is drinking tap water bad for you? Wellness influencers say yes, but here's what the experts think

Concerns about the safety and purity of UK tap water are no longer confined to the comment sections of influencers with conspiratorial or fringe ideas. An increasing number of British consumers are now filtering their water, worried that it might be unsafe to drink.
Investigations by The Guardian, Watershed Investigations, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) have revealed the presence of potentially harmful substances – specifically PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as 'forever chemicals ') – in drinking water sources used by 17 out of 18 English water companies. The findings have raised significant questions about long-term exposure to such contaminants and prompted renewed scrutiny of the UK's water infrastructure.
From countertop filtration systems and under-sink reverse osmosis units to purifying showerheads and portable bottles, there are now several ways to filter your tap water at home. Some of these solutions are expensive – costing more than £2000 – but they claim to transform potentially harmful water into safe, drinkable, even health-boosting H2O.
But is the concern around our tap water justified, and do these domestic filtration products offer any meaningful protection?
I grew up in an old house, with my mum telling me never to drink from the hot tap in case there was a dead pigeon in the tank in the loft, or in case the hot water dislodged some slime in the Victorian pipes. We had a filter installed, and I assumed all people had these concerns around tap water – I was met with blank stares when I warned the room about the pigeon risk at a sleepover when I was 14.
I love to drink water, but I've always been sensitive to its flavour – the mineral content, the provenance; as a health writer, these things interest me. For years, I used a Brita filter, but after reading a study about microplastics found in UK tap water – despite claims that treatment facilities are able to remove more than 99 per cent – I switched to some heavier-duty technology: the Skuma countertop water filter. The Skuma uses three-stage reverse osmosis to remove microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals, and then infuses the water with the helpful, health-giving minerals it stripped out.
I'm not so obsessive that I would start arguing with my dentist if handed a cup of tap water to rinse with, like I have seen some American wellness influencers do on Instagram. I wouldn't turn down a drink if it had been made with tap water, but I am more mindful about what I'm drinking when I can help it.
Though the UK maintains some of the highest regulatory standards for drinking water globally, a growing body of research points to the presence of emerging contaminants – including microplastics, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues – in our water supply. Many of these substances are still not yet regulated under UK or EU law, despite growing evidence of potential links to hormonal disruption, developmental issues, liver toxicity, and certain cancers.
'I was really focused on microplastics, PFAS, and other substances that weren't being widely reported on,' says Charles Robinson, founder of water filtration company Water2. 'I remember asking scientists at UCL whether, if they were in charge, they would allow this – and the answer was a clear 'no'.'
Robinson funded independent research through labs in Italy and the UK to develop a filtration system capable of removing contaminants at the sub-micron level. His first-generation filter launched in 2023 and was subsequently backed by survivalist and TV personality Bear Grylls.
'A standard filter jug may filter particles down to around 200 microns,' Robinson explains. 'A human hair is about 70 microns for comparison. Our filters work down to 0.1 microns, capturing most microplastics, which typically range from 1 to 10 microns.'
A team of research scientists behind The Water Professor – an organisation offering laboratory water testing kits for home use – explain: 'Smaller particle size may be important for the blood-brain defences against microplastics. In the study on the cognitive decline of mice contaminated with microplastics, the particle sizes were between 0.1 and 2 microns.
'The current understanding of toxicity associated with microplastics suggests that size does matter; smaller microplastics will find it easier to pass through tissue layers and could be absorbed through the stomach and lungs, entering deep into the body.'
They also point to early studies suggesting that particles below 25 microns can pass through biological barriers and accumulate in organs, causing adverse effects. Larger particle sizes are less likely to have toxic effects since they are unable to pass through biological membranes.
Logic then follows that high-tech filters able to sift out smaller microplastics will be better for you than something like a filter jug. The Water Professor's research also suggests that bottled water, on average, contains a higher concentration of smaller microplastics and could be worse for humans than previously thought, which is why opting for glass or metal bottles might also be the healthier choice.
However, filtration is not without trade-offs. It might sound like a perfect solution, but some high-powered systems, such as reverse osmosis units, can also strip water of essential minerals like magnesium and calcium. These nutrients are linked to bone health, cardiovascular function, and even skin health, so their presence in water is important.
'It would be easy to assume that pure H2O is the gold standard,' says Robinson. 'But distilled or over-filtered water can actually be less beneficial if it lacks mineral content. The challenge is reducing harmful contaminants while preserving key elements.'
Many people choose to add electrolytes to filtered water to ensure at least one glass contains a recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals. It's a smart workaround – and one that I personally employ every morning. However, there are concerns around these kinds of products too. Nutritionists frequently warn of the dangers of taking too many supplements and overloading the body, so be mindful of whether you actually need electrolytes and how much of a product you're using.
Public health authorities continue to assert that UK mains water is safe to drink. But as Robinson and The Water Professor point out, 'safe' does not necessarily mean optimal, particularly given the pace at which chemical pollutants, synthetic compounds, and microplastics are entering the global water cycle.
The Water Professor researchers explain that the most common plastic materials contributing to micro- and nanoplastics in water are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), along with toxic chemicals such as per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS ) and BPA. PFAS are commonly associated with non-stick cookware, as well as cosmetics, food packaging and outdoor clothing.
These chemicals are also known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down easily and can build up in the environment, leading to potential risks for both wildlife and humans.
Last year, researchers at Birmingham University found that the combined effects of PFAS with microplastics led to greater harm. After studying their effects on water fleas, they noted delays in sexual maturity and stunted growth. Their study paves the way for future research on how these chemicals might affect gene function, providing crucial insights into long-term biological impacts not only on aquatic species but on humans too.
Menstrual health brand Asan recently reported that 2.4 million tampons are flushed down UK toilets each day, some of which end up in wastewater systems. Trace fibres and fragments from hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, and plastics are increasingly being detected in tap water, and while the long-term health impacts of these exposures are still under investigation, their ubiquity is raising alarm among environmental scientists and public health researchers.
Stephanie Metzger, policy advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry, has said: 'Here in the UK, we monitor for a long list of PFAS, but we're lagging far behind the US and the EU when it comes to the amount allowed in our drinking water and what is considered healthy.
'We know that PFAS can be filtered from drinking water – the technology exists – so increasing the level of filtration is just a matter of expense and political will.
'In [the regulator] Drinking Water Inspectorate's own words, levels above 10 nanograms per litre pose a medium or high risk to public health. We're seeing more and more studies that link PFAS to a range of very serious medical conditions, and so we urgently need a new approach for the sake of public health.'
A 2024 study of London boroughs showed that in Harrow, a water sample had a PFOS (a type of PFAS) level of 14 nanograms per litre (ng/l) – 1.4 times the maximum limit for its presence in tap water under proposals put forward by the RSC.
The answer as to whether you should be filtering your water largely depends on the level of risk you are willing to accept. For many, the regulated standard of UK tap water is sufficient. But for those concerned about cumulative exposure to emerging contaminants – or managing specific health conditions – additional filtration may be worth considering.
'It's about making informed choices,' says Robinson. 'Not everyone can afford an expensive system, but a well-made filter that costs under £100 a year can reduce your exposure significantly.'
That said, experts caution against assuming that all filters are created equal. Filtering technologies vary significantly in their efficacy. While standard pitcher filters can improve taste and remove some chlorine, only high-performance filters operating below one micron are likely to capture smaller contaminants such as microplastics and certain PFAS. Consumers should look for independently verified performance data, consider the filter's lifespan and replacement costs, and weigh potential losses in mineral content against reductions in harmful substances.
Of course, some people resort to filtration to soften hard water, which contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals not only cause the build-up of limescale on appliances and surfaces, but may also affect skin and hair.
According to Karlee Oz, founder of Hello Klean, showering in unfiltered water may 'leave residue, contribute to dryness, and exacerbate conditions like eczema,' she explains. 'In addition, hot showers can vaporise chlorine and other disinfectant byproducts, increasing the risk of respiratory exposure and irritation.'
Hello Klean's shower filters use KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) technology to convert chlorine into gentler compounds. Oz emphasises the importance of using filters that are clinically tested and certified for efficacy. 'Filtering reduces the burden on the skin and hair barrier and may improve tolerance over time.'
Of course, not all areas in the UK have a hard water problem – and in some cases, softer water may be better for skin and hair – but a filter can still remove heavy metals like lead and cadmium and traces of harmful bacteria like E. coli.
For the consumer, it can be complicated. UK tap water meets legal safety standards: it undergoes multiple filtration rounds and was ranked joint first for drinking water quality and sanitation in Yale University's 2022 Environmental Performance Index, along with Finland, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
However, that doesn't mean there is no room for improvement. Research suggests that trace levels of PFAS, microplastics, and other contaminants are present in some supplies. Filtration can reduce exposure to these substances, but must be balanced against the potential loss of essential minerals.
Research is still ongoing, but personally, I'll always reach for filtered water, glass bottles, and avoid ice if I can. A filter in my shower has made a noticeable difference too. It's a personal choice – but with microplastics now found in human blood, remote Antarctica, tea bags, and at the bottom of the ocean, I'll do what I can to avoid them in my morning glass of H2O.

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Telegraph

35 minutes ago

• Telegraph

The best yoga mats and non-slip exercise mats tried and tested, from Lululemon to Yogi Bare

Given its transformative benefits for mind and body, the barrier for entry to yoga is low. You need very little specialised clothing or equipment – in fact, all you need is a mat, a pair of gym leggings and a water bottle. The best yoga mat will provide you with a stable, grippy surface on which to practice. There is nothing less zen than finding your hands are slipping forward in downward facing dog, or that your peaceful warrior pose isn't feeling all that peaceful because your mat won't stay in place. To maintain a consistent yoga practice, a decent mat is key. Unlike other fitness equipment such as rowing machines and treadmills, a yoga mat won't clean out your bank account – some mats are as little as £20. But not just any old mat will do – Emma Henry, an expert yoga teacher at Triyoga, says that investing in a decent model will pay dividends further down the line. 'There's nothing more frustrating in a fast-paced Vinyasa flow than slipping, so enough grip is key,' says Henry, who recommends the Liforme mat. 'There are cheaper ones available that are decent, but they might not last as long.' We've reviewed the best yoga mats in depth below and provided answers to some frequently asked questions. However, if you're finding yourself strapped for time, here's a quick summary: The best yoga mats: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best yoga mat When selecting the best yoga mat, thickness is paramount: a standard mat (around 3mm) provides a stable base for balance and flow, while thicker mats (up to 6mm) offer extra cushioning for sensitive joints or restorative sessions. The right thickness prevents discomfort and helps protect knees and wrists during prolonged poses. Material matters for both performance and sustainability. PVC mats are durable and provide excellent grip, but may not align with eco-friendly values. Natural alternatives like rubber, cork, or jute are increasingly popular, offering good traction and a lighter environmental footprint. Cork, in particular, is antimicrobial, which is ideal for hot or sweaty practices. You also need a textured and grippy material for safety, especially during dynamic or heated classes. Portability is worth considering if you travel or commute to classes; lighter, foldable mats are easier to carry but may sacrifice some comfort. Ultimately, the best yoga mat is one that balances support, grip, sustainability and convenience to suit your personal practice and values. How we test yoga mats Every mat on this list was tested through completing a series of yoga sessions and HIIT (high intenstity interval training) workouts. For the yoga sessions, I used videos by YouTube sensation, Yoga with Adriene. I took note of how thick and comfortable each mat was, which meant considering how comfortable my knees felt on the ground and how my joints felt after a heavy session. I also thought about the weight of each mat while carrying them to and from gym sessions. I looked for a soft but supportive material that wasn't slipper and, of course, a decent price. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best yoga mats of 2025 1. Best Buy Yoga Mat: Lululemon The Mat Top marks for this double-sided mat from Lululemon, which offers unparalleled grip, a stable surface and plenty of support. It's unnoticeable in the best way; I felt grounded and supported, and my hands and feet didn't budge. Lululemon offers several thicknesses of mat, but I would opt for the 5mm for joint support. This mat is reversible and comes in a wide range of colours and designs. One side is smooth and the other is slightly textured, but both are made from natural rubber. It's the perfect size – a touch longer and wider than most standard yoga mats, at 180cm x 66cm. This means it offers plenty of space to stretch out. Thanks to its slightly thicker construction, I found it also makes the perfect partner to HIIT and strength workouts. Despite being thicker than most others, it's not unduly heavy, at 2.4kg. That's the upper end of what I'd consider to be an easy weight to carry, but it means that this mat excels both at home and in class. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a carry strap or bag – but that really is nitpicking. Put simply, it's a brilliant all-rounder that is more than worth the investment. Key specifications 2. Best Value Yoga Mat: Manduka Prolite Yoga and Pilates Mat The Manduka Prolite is wonderfully durable. It's favoured by The Telegraph's Boudicca Fox-Leonard, a part-time yoga instructor. Fox-Leonard says: 'For the yogi looking to find a mat that will be able to follow them on their practice journey without flaking, Manduka mats are hard to beat on quality and simplicity. They also have ethical credentials: they're non-toxic and 100 per cent latex free, with an emissions-free manufacturing process. 'While Manduka's range is overwhelming, opt for the Manduka Prolite. You'll get a mat light enough to carry (it weighs 1.8kg) without compromising on cushioning. It might prove slippy for those first few practices, but then you and your mat will be stuck to each other for life.' Manduka promises its mats are made for life, and they come with lifetime guarantees. The most durable option you can find. Key specifications Material: PVC Measurements: 80cm x 61cm Thickness: 4.7mm Weight: 3.08kg 3. Best Non-slip Yoga Mat: Liforme Original Yoga Mat Yoga teacher Emma Henry's favoured mat is the Liforme original. There's no getting around the fact that it's expensive, but this is a mat that will last for years and years. It has a uniquely smooth surface whilst still offering unparalleled grip. It is also one of only a handful to be printed with a handy alignment guide. At 185 x 68cm and 4mm thick, it's slightly larger than average, so perfect for practicing at home – however, given it weighs 2.5kg, it's not the easiest to lug to a yoga class. If you're looking for a mat to use on the move, Henry also recommends the Liforme travel mat (£99.95, Amazon). Liforme also has impressive eco credentials; their mats are made from natural rubber and eco-friendly polyurethane and are biodegradable. Key specifications Material: Rubber Measurements: 185cm x 68cm Thickness: 4.2mm Weight: 2.5kg 4. Best Yoga Mat for Allergies: Gaiam Sol Studio Select Dry-Grip Yoga Mat If you have a latex or rubber allergy, this Gaiam Dry-Grip Yoga Mat is for you – it's made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic. PVC isn't as sustainable as the natural rubber used by other mats on this list but it has a low carbon footprint and is highly durable, so you won't need to replace your mat in a hurry. The 5mm thick mat had a good amount of cushioning and I found it soft on my joints both for yoga and HIIT workouts. The smooth top layer wicked away sweat from my palms and feet. More impressively the grippy underside stuck to the shiny fake hardwood floor in my flat which is usually slippery, without budging. At 2.1kg it's completely manageable to carry if you tend to take your yoga mat to the gym though you'll have to buy a separate bag or straps. I also love the design – the mandala in the middle of the mat is an excellent point of focus for trickier yoga positions. Key specifications 5. Best Ethical Yoga Mat: Yogi Bare Wild Forest Ever Grip Paws Yoga Mat I loved testing this mat – primarily because it's refreshingly lightweight and transportable when paired with Yogi Bare's Carry Bag (£20), and it's also easy to store as a result. Where it truly shines is its patented Ever Grip technology, which means the surface is extra grippy, durable and stain-free, while remaining as eco-conscious as ever. Having tested this mat over several weeks during both yoga and HIIT workouts, I can attest to the excellent grip and lack of marking – it still looks as good as it did out of the box. At 4mm thick, it's certainly on the thinner end of the spectrum, but I still find it supportive enough for my joints. That said, my wrists, where I have a particular weakness as a result of previous injury, would have preferred a little more cushioning. It measures 180cm x 66cm, so it's a touch narrower than the Liforme mat, but I found it to be more than spacious enough. For reference, I could easily still squat while facing sideways. Living in a small London flat, I actually appreciated the narrow form and it was plenty long enough for my 174cm height. Other small but appreciated features include the alignment and orientation guides to keep you on track during different movement types, and notes of affirmation which depend on the colour you choose – my 'desert sand' colourway told me 'you belong here', which was reassuring during a particularly gruelling ab workout. As for the sustainability credentials, Yogi Bare uses natural rubber, plant-based dyes and recycled packaging. The mats themselves are biodegradable and recyclable, with discounts on new mats offered if you recycle directly with Yogi Bare. Key specifications 6. Best Travel Yoga Mat: Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat This budget-friendly mat is available in all the colours of the rainbow, and you can't fault the grip – it's as sticky as its name suggests. I like the distinctive textured design and how light it is to carry (it weighs just 1.2kg). However, I found it slightly too sticky – it feels as if it leaves a slight residue on your hands. It also doesn't come with a strap, but given the texture, it's more than sticky enough to simply roll up and store. This would be an excellent mat for taking to a class or using on the move, but for home practices I would choose something with a smoother surface and a bigger footprint. Key specifications Yoga mat FAQs What to look for in a yoga mat You want a good grip, a thick base and high-quality material like natural rubber for support, and a light enough weight that it can be carried to and from a gym. Visual alignment markers, to help with the placing of hands and feet are also useful. There are other factors to consider, too: texture and size. 'I like a big, heavy mat for home practice, but when you're travelling you need it to be lighter,' says Emma Henry, yoga teacher at Triyoga, who uses a Liforme travel mat or Lululemon '(Un)mat' when she's on the move. She also considers the ethics of a company: 'what they're doing to support yoga teachers and what they're doing environmentally.' Consider too the style of yoga you practice – hot yoga, in which you're likely to sweat a lot, will require a mat that offers plenty of grip and is easy to clean, whereas a slower restorative or yin yoga class might require a mat that's thicker and more supportive. How to clean a yoga mat To stay on top of keeping your yoga mat clean, you should try to disinfect it before and after each session with equal parts water and white vinegar, and a dash of tea tree oil. For bigger cleans, every couple of weeks, or more or less depending on your usage, put your yoga mat in a bath or shower and give it a good scrub with water and dish soap, leave it to dry, then roll it up. Most yoga mats cannot be put in the washing machine, but check the individual instructions. How thick should a yoga mat be? As a general rule of thumb, stick to yoga mats between 4mm and 6mm. Bear in mind a thinner mat will be more portable, while a thicker mat will be easier on the joints. If you're doing more floorwork yoga, you might choose a thicker mat as well for the extra cushioning. That said, too much thickness can affect the flow of movement so it's all about finding the balance. How long does a yoga mat typically last? A yoga mat typically lasts between six months and two years, but it can depend on how often you use it and care for it. What is the best material for a yoga mat? Most standard yoga mats are made from polyvinyl chloride. Newer, more eco-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber, jute, and cotton. Can yoga mats be recycled? Polyvinyl chloride mats are the most difficult to recycle as they may contain plasticisers, UV retarders, dyes, and dirt. Rubber yoga mats and biodegradable mats are much easier to recycle. It is always worth checking with the manufacturer to be sure.

Daily Mirror

43 minutes ago

• Daily Mirror

Brit woman said 'everything hurt' after surgery – one month later she was dead

Hayley Butler, 40, flew out to Turkey for a gastric sleeve operation but she suffered from four separate organ perforations and went into septic shock. One month later, she died A British woman who travelled to Turkey for weight loss surgery died from complications after the operation was botched and she suffered four organ perforations, an inquest has heard. Hayley Butler, 40, had flown out to Izmir, Turkey, for a gastric sleeve operation with a friend, who underwent the same procedure, on September 23. A sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss procedure that involves removing about 80 per cent of the stomach. An inquest into her death, held at Norwich Coroners Court, was told Miss Butler had the surgery the day after she arrived in the country and flew home 48 hours later. The dog groomer from Norwich, Norfolk, suffered from four separate organ perforations and went into septic shock. ‌ ‌ The infection caused irreversible damage to her organs and she died on October 24. She had told medics after the operation, at Ozel Gozde Hospital, that "everything hurt". However, she was reassured this was normal and despite her discomfort she was discharged and given a form saying she was "fit to fly". Returning to Norwich, she fell increasingly unwell and was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital before a transfer to a specialist unit in Luton. Tanveer Adil, a bariatric consultant who treated her at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, told the inquest that complications from surgeries carried out in Turkey were a "matter of significant concern". Mr Adil added: "I have personally operated on more than 40 of these cases in the past five years alone." A gastric sleeve operation in Turkey can typically cost between £2,300 and £4,500, compared with up to £11,000 for a private procedure in the UK. Miss Butler underwent the operation on September 23. After her return to the UK, she began to suffer from nausea and projectile vomiting. She was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on October 10 before being transferred to the specialist bariatric unit in Luton, where it was found she was in septic shock. It was later discovered that during the operation in Turkey, she had suffered four separate perforations, including in her colon and esophagus. She underwent further surgery at Luton to treat her sepsis, which was judged to be a success. However, the damage to her organs was too great and she died on October 24. Mr Adil said that as a result of the botched gastric sleeve operation, three litres of faecal fluid had leaked into her abdomen, resulting in the infection. ‌ He said: "It is my opinion that the cause of her death was not what happened in Luton, but what happened in Turkey, where there was a lack of safety netting for what was a complicated procedure." Gillian Moore, Miss Butler's mother, told the inquest: "She had tried to get help in this country but just did not get anywhere. "She was frustrated with waiting and had spoken to friends who had it in this country and said it was the best thing they'd done, but it was just so expensive. She had waited so long that she just went and did it." Mrs Moore said her daughter's friend, who had the same operation, had also started experiencing complications. ‌ Yvonne Blake, area coroner for Norfolk, gave a narrative conclusion describing the chronology of Miss Butler's deterioration. Mrs Blake said: "Clearly, the operation was not done properly. For her to have suffered four perforations, anyone can take a common-sense view of that." Meanwhile, Mrs Moore raised separate frustrations about communication with the hospital while her daughter was being treated in Luton. She described not feeling kept well enough informed of her deterioration, and the family being left alone without explanation when she eventually died. She said: "It is going to haunt me forever that we were just left to work out what was going on. It was the most heartbreaking experience anybody could go through." Mrs Blake added: "It was astonishing you were left with her to die." The medical cause of her death was confirmed as refractory multiple organ failure due to sepsis, with complications from the surgery listed as a contributory factor.

Times

an hour ago

• Times

Midwife took laughing gas while working on high-risk ward

A Scottish NHS midwife has been suspended after she was caught taking laughing gas while caring for vulnerable pregnant women. Mariedh King was discovered consuming nitrous oxide — also known as 'hippy crack' — in an empty labour room whilst working on a ward for high-risk patients, a disciplinary hearing was told. She admitted to an internal investigation that she had done so multiple times over a two-month period. The midwife claimed that the drug's effects were always out of her system by the time she saw patients but could have caused a problem if there was an emergency. Laughing gas is the colloquial term for nitrous oxide which causes euphoria, uncontrolled laughter, and dizziness. In medical settings it is used for sedation and pain relief. A fitness to practise committee has found that King had put patients at risk by 'knowingly and intentionally' taking the drug. It said the only 'appropriate and proportionate' sanction was a nine-month suspension from the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. The professional tribunal heard that the midwife, who was based in Fife, qualified in 2000 and was working on a ward for high-risk pregnancy patients. In September 2021, King was found by the senior charge midwife in an empty labour room inhaling laughing gas that was intended for patients. After being discovered King went home. The incident was the only time she was found using the drug, but during the course of an internal investigation she admitted to doing it more than once. King told the tribunal the effects of laughing gas are 'very short-lasting' and were always out of her system by the time she attended patients. However, she accepted this could have been different if she had been called to an emergency whilst under the influence. During the hearing it was suggested that the midwife, who had an unblemished career, was experiencing personal struggles at the time of her misconduct but the details have been withheld. A panel found that King had 'knowingly and intentionally' stolen the nitrous oxide from her employer and put vulnerable patients at risk, which amounted to misconduct as well as impairing her fitness to practise. It said: 'The panel determined that Mrs King knowingly and intentionally stole, and used, nitrous oxide at her place of work. 'Mrs King knew that it was wrong to take the nitrous oxide which was for the use of patients only … was responsible for vulnerable patients under her care and the panel was of the view that Mrs King's actions jeopardised patient safety and put patients at a risk of harm. 'This was a serious departure from the standards expected of a registered midwife and amounted to misconduct.' The panel ruled that a striking-off order would be 'unduly punitive' but her drug-taking did warrant further action. King was suspended for nine months with a review hearing required before she can be admitted back onto the register, to ensure she has developed enough insight into her misconduct to practise safely again. 'Mrs King's misconduct arose more than once, albeit it was a single episode, in an otherwise unblemished career,' the panel said. 'It has found attitudinal issues related to Mrs King's dishonesty but it did not deem these to be deep-seated or personality related. There is no evidence of Mrs King repeating her misconduct. 'Whilst the panel acknowledges that a suspension may have a punitive effect, it would be unduly punitive in Mrs King's case to impose a striking off order. 'Balancing all of these factors the panel has concluded that a suspension order is theappropriate and proportionate sanction.'