Asthma and COPD inhalers linked to 24.9 million tonnes of US carbon emissions

Metered-dose inhalers caused 98 per cent emissions. PIC/ISTOCK

A new study has revealed that inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD may have emitted over 20 lakh tonnes of emissions in the US - equivalent to the yearly emissions of about 530,000 petrol-powered cars on the road.

The research team, including scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles, found that metered-dose inhalers - those containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants and releasing aerosols - were the most harmful to the environment, responsible for a staggering 98 per cent of emissions over the 10-year period.

Other types of inhalers, including dry inhalers and soft powder mist inhalers, are less harmful to the environment as they deliver medication without requiring propellants. "Inhalers generated 24.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in the US from 2014 to 2024. The estimated social costs of emissions were $5.7 billion," researchers said.

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