Inhalers' Hidden Impact: US Emissions Equivalent to 530,000 Cars
Inhalers used to manage asthma and COPD are contributing to climate change, with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) being the primary culprit in the USA. In the US alone, these devices generate annual emissions equivalent to over 530,000 cars. However, greener alternatives are available or in development, but affordability and accessibility remain significant challenges.
MDIs, also known as 'puffers', account for 98% of these emissions due to their use of hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants in the US. These propellants are potent greenhouse gases, making MDIs a significant source of emissions. However, there are greener alternatives. Dry powder and soft mist inhalers do not use propellants, making them less harmful to the environment.
One such inhaler is a dry-powder version of albuterol, a commonly used drug. Unfortunately, it is often not covered by insurance, making it more expensive for patients in the US. In Europe, Budesonide-formoterol is widely sold in dry-powder form, but it is not available in the US. Several new low-global-warming MDIs are expected to launch in the US, but they are likely to be high-priced brand-name products, potentially leaving patients without robust insurance coverage behind.
Companies like Propeller Health, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and AptarGroup are involved in producing low-emission-friendly inhalers in the USA. While historically these inhalers were less economically accessible, they are increasingly becoming more available.
Policy and pricing reform is needed to ensure lower-emission inhalers are affordable and accessible for all patients in the US. Only a small fraction of patients medically require MDIs, making the shift to greener alternatives crucial. By addressing insurance and market barriers, the US can significantly reduce the environmental impact of inhalers, contributing to broader climate change mitigation efforts.
