Environmental impact of inhalers for respiratory diseases: decreasing the carbon footprint while preserving patient-tailored treatment

Patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD) rely on three main device classes for inhalation therapy: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs). The carbon footprint (CF) of these inhalers differs with MDIs having a higher impa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ open respiratory research 2020-03, Vol.7 (1), p.e000571
Main Authors: Panigone, Sara, Sandri, Federica, Ferri, Rossella, Volpato, Andrea, Nudo, Elena, Nicolini, Gabriele
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Inhalation
Adrenergic beta-Agonists - administration & dosage
Asthma
Asthma - drug therapy
Carbon Footprint
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD pharmacology
Drug dosages
Environmental impact
Gases
Humans
inhaler devices
Inhalers
Medical equipment
Nebulizers and Vaporizers
Patients
Pharmaceutical industry
Precision Medicine - methods
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - drug therapy
R&D
Raw materials
Research & development
Respiratory diseases
Respiratory Research
Toxicology
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Description
Summary:Patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD) rely on three main device classes for inhalation therapy: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs). The carbon footprint (CF) of these inhalers differs with MDIs having a higher impact than DPIs and SMIs due to the propellant in MDIs. However, the certified CF of specific MDI products may differ significantly. MDIs still represent an essential option for many patients. Consequently, novel approaches shall be considered to balance environmental goals with patient health and well-being while maintaining a diverse range of choices for patients and physicians.
ISSN:2052-4439
2052-4439
DOI:10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000571