How Asthma Inhalers Are Going Green

The pocket inhalers many people use to aid their breathing may be contributing to the climate crisis — and users’ respiratory issues.

Some 940 million inhalers of all types are sold annually worldwide. They’re typically prescribed for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic lung diseases.

Each puff from a metered-dose inhaler emits a hydro­fluorocarbon gas that can be thousands of times more potent than the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This creates a vicious cycle: The gas exacerbates climate change, which results in more forest fires and air pollution, which in turn makes inhalers even more necessary.

In recent years, however, dry-­powder inhalers (DPIs) have become popular in ­Europe for their more ecofriendly operation — and their adoption is increasing in the United States. Though DPIs can be trickier to use, typically cost more, and are not yet available for all conditions, it’s worth exploring a potential shift to this greener option with your healthcare provider — for your health and that of the planet too.