The Excessive Carbon Footprint of Inhalers Used in Airway Disease and its Remedies

Abstract

The carbon footprint of human activities is a conversation topic worldwide. Many fields, including healthcare, have attempted to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, in Canada, 4.6% of greenhouse gases are manufactured by healthcare institutions. When it comes to the accountable parties in healthcare, the current treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the main contributors. These highly prevalent diseases affect 11% and 10% of the Western populations, respectively. This editorial aims to discuss the impact of pressurized metered dose inhalers on the environment, alternatives and changes to current diagnostic and therapeutic practices, public awareness, potential changes to regulations and paths forward.