Study finds US asthma inhalers produce same emissions as 500k cars
10 hours ago
- #sustainability
- #healthcare
- #climate change
- US asthma inhalers produce emissions equivalent to 500,000 cars annually.
- Metered-dose inhalers (puffers) account for 98% of emissions due to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants.
- Dry powder and soft mist inhalers are far less harmful but face insurance and market barriers in the US.
- Only a small fraction of patients medically require metered-dose inhalers; most could switch to greener alternatives.
- Policy and pricing reforms are needed to make low-emission inhalers affordable and accessible.