A new study published in the BMJ has found that using green inhalers could dramatically cut down carbon emissions. The study also found that it reduces drug costs with the use of alternative brands that are less expensive.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK, examined the prescription data from England and compared the carbon footprint data on inhalers and environmental and financial costs of several different inhalers.
The researchers noted that the popularly used metered-dose inhaler (MDI) contained a powerful propellant greenhouse gas called hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). They found that more than 50 million inhalers were prescribed in 2017, of which over 70 percent were MDIs. MDIs are known to contribute to almost 4 percent of the global carbon emission.
The scientists said that alternatives such as aqueous mist inhaler and dry powder inhaler (DPI) had a lower emission of carbon. They also said DPIs could also help reduce drug costs.
The study noted that the carbon emission of MDIs wad 10 to 37 times more than DPIs. Replacing at least one MDI out of 10 with a DPI would reduce carbon emission by 58 kilotons.
The researchers wrote, “For every 10% of MDIs changed to DPIs, drug costs decrease by 8.2M annually.”
Study co-author Alexander Wilkinson said, “Any move towards greener inhalers would need to ensure that replacements were cost-effective.”
He explained it would be possible to make a positive impact on carbon footprints and drug costs by switching to less expressive brands. “It’s important to stress that patients shouldn’t stop using their usual treatments to reduce their carbon footprint,” he added.
“Instead, we recommend patients review their condition and treatment at least annually with their healthcare professional and at this point discuss whether a more environmentally-friendly inhaler is available and appropriate in their situation,” said Wilkinson. Study co-author James Smith said. “Switching to inhalers, which are better for the environment, could help individuals, and the NHS as a whole, reduce their impact on the climate significantly. This is an important step towards creating a zero-carbon healthcare system fit for the 21st century.”
