Some asthma and COPD inhalers known as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) contain propellants called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These propellants are powerful greenhouse gases that can trap heat in the atmosphere. HFCs can trap heat 1000s of times more powerfully than carbon dioxide (CO2). We can compare the warming potential of greenhouse gases using something called 100-year global warming potential (GWP). The GWP looks at how much heat a gas traps over 100 years compared to CO2. The HFCs in metered-dose inhalers have very high global warming potentials. Some metered-dose inhaler can have a bigger impact on the environment, or carbon footprint, compared to others. There are also many inhalers currently available in the US that don’t contain HFC propellants at all.

These inhalers are known as dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs). They can be used to treat asthma and COPD instead of metered-dose inhalers in most adult patients. There are many inhalers available on the market and it may be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Your doctor can help recommend an equivalent, environmentally friendly inhaler for you. Your doctor can also advise you on whether switching to an environmentally friendly inhaler would be ok for you medically. Your doctor may not be able to tell you how much your new inhaler may cost out of pocket. We recommend working with your insurance company and your pharmacy to help determine which inhalers are best for you from a cost standpoint. By understanding the impact of inhalers on the environment, we can make choices that are medically safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Physicians across the country are partnering with their healthcare organizations to increase awareness and educate providers and patients on safe and appropriate alternatives to netered dose inhalers (MDIs) or to choose more environmentally friendly MDIs when possible.

We think it’s really important to partner with patients when making decisions about their health, including medication changes. If you are interested in potentially switching to a more environmentally friendly inhaler, we recommend setting up an appointment with your doctor, to discuss alternative options.