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1h ago

JAMA Study: U.S. Inhalers Emit Over 2 Million Tons of CO2e Each Year

Researchers attribute the footprint primarily to HFA propellants in metered‑dose devices.

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Millions of Americans use metered-dose inhalers to treat conditions like asthma.
Metered-dose inhalers, or 'puffers,' accounted for 98 percent of emissions due to the propellants used to deliver medication

Overview

  • From 2014 to 2024, U.S. pharmacies dispensed 1.6 billion inhalers that generated an estimated 24.9 million metric tons of CO2e.
  • Metered‑dose inhalers using hydrofluoroalkane propellants produced about 98% of inhaler‑related emissions, far exceeding dry‑powder and soft‑mist devices.
  • Annual emissions rose roughly 24% over the decade, increasing from about 1.9 million to 2.3 million metric tons.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs’ prioritization of dry‑powder devices since 2021 cut its inhaler emissions by more than 68% from 2008 to 2023.
  • Study authors and an accompanying commentary call for payers and regulators to expand access to lower‑emission options and ensure forthcoming low‑GWP MDIs are affordable, noting insurance barriers and medical exceptions for some patients.