One medical inhaler can have the impact of 30kg of carbon dioxide
By 
Andy Extance2025-11-17T09:23:00
Propellants in asthma inhalers produce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving 200 miles, yet most healthcare systems overlook this climate impact. New low-carbon alternatives are in development, Andy Extance reports, but barriers remain
Drug inhalers, essential for asthma and COPD patients, carry a hidden climate cost: the propellants in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are potent greenhouse gases, making them a significant source of healthcare emissions. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to replace these with low global warming potential alternatives, while dry powder inhalers offer an even greener option – but cost and prescribing habits often stand in the way. With new regulations phasing down harmful propellants and innovative products on the horizon, the transition to climate-friendly inhalers is gathering pace, though challenges remain around affordability and patient choice.