"The inhalers people depend on to breathe are also warming the planet, producing annual emissions equivalent to more than half a million cars in the United States alone, researchers have said in a major new study. Using a national drug database, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles and Harvard University analysed global warming pollution from three types of inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between 2014 and 2024."
"Metered-dose inhalers, or puffers, were by far the most damaging, accounting for 98 percent of emissions. They use pressurised canisters containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants potent greenhouse gases to deliver medication. By contrast, dry powder and soft mist inhalers don't use propellants. The former rely on a patient's breath to release medicine, and the latter turn liquid into a fine spray making both far less harmful to the planet."
Inhalers used in the United States produced 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent between 2014 and 2024. The annual warming impact of those inhalers equals emissions from roughly 530,000 cars on the road. Metered-dose inhalers (puffers) accounted for 98 percent of inhaler emissions because they use pressurised canisters containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, which are potent greenhouse gases. Dry powder and soft mist inhalers do not use propellants; dry powder relies on patient inhalation and soft mist turns liquid into a fine spray, making both far less harmful to the climate. Very young children and some frail older adults medically require metered-dose devices; most patients could use lower-emission alternatives.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]