Summary / Key takeaways
Best practices for diagnosing, managing, and monitoring patients’ respiratory conditions can reduce unnecessary inhaler prescription and, subsequently, the environmental impact associated with their use.
Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are common medical devices used to deliver inhaled medication, typically for individuals with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The carbon footprint of MDIs is much higher than that of dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which do not use a propellant to deliver the medication. All inhalers have environmental impacts that go beyond GHG emissions from propellants including the depletion and destruction of natural resources. Health care providers and patients should be mindful of these impacts when selecting an inhaler.
Adequate and ongoing patient training on inhaler technique and usage is a key part of reducing their environmental impacts. The majority (95-98%) of propellant emissions from MDIs occur at the user phase. This typically involves poor synchronization of actuation with inhalation.
Improper MDI disposal contributes to medication wastage and increases the risk of MDI residual propellant release into the atmosphere. Once fully used, MDOs can be recycled or incinerated. Plastic and aluminum in each device can be recycled at designated pharmacies. MDI incineration causes the thermal degradation of HFC chemicals.
Playbook: Climate Conscious Inhaler Practices in Inpatient Care
Suggested Citation:
Stoynova V, Culley C. Climate Conscious Inhaler Practices in Inpatient Care. Version 1.0. [Internet]. CASCADES; 2023 [cited DATE]. Available from: https://new.cascadescanada.ca/.
Playbook: Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing in Outpatient Care
Suggested Citation:
Green S, Bursque G, Chang B, Khan N, Miller FA, Wilson J, Wintemute K. Climate conscious inhaler prescribing in outpatient care. Version 3.0. [Internet]: CASCADES; 2023 [cited DATE]. Available from: https://new.cascadescanada.ca/.
Website: Inhaler Guide: A clinical guide to inhalers in Canada
An interactive web tool including province-specific information on coverage, cost, and indication.
Supporting Resources
