Mon Oct 06 20:46:38 UTC 2025: ## Inhalers in US Spew Emissions Equivalent to Over Half a Million Cars Annually, Study Finds
**Washington D.C.** – A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals a significant environmental impact from commonly used inhalers in the United States. Researchers from UCLA and Harvard University found that inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generated 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent between 2014 and 2024 – a figure comparable to the annual emissions of 530,000 cars.
The study focused on three types of inhalers and discovered that metered-dose inhalers, often called “puffers,” are the primary culprit, accounting for 98% of the emissions. These inhalers utilize hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, potent greenhouse gases, to deliver medication. Dry powder and soft mist inhalers, which do not rely on propellants, offer a significantly greener alternative.
“Five hundred and thirty thousand cars on the road each year is a lot, and I think this is a really important topic because it’s fixable – there are easy ways to reduce emissions,” explained lead author Dr. William Feldman, a pulmonologist and researcher at UCLA. He highlighted that medically, only a small fraction of patients truly require metered-dose inhalers.
While certain populations, such as young children using spacers and frail elderly individuals, may benefit from the “puffers,” the majority of patients could effectively use dry powder or soft mist alternatives. Dr. Feldman noted that countries like Sweden and Japan have successfully adopted these greener inhalers without compromising patient health.
The slow adoption of eco-friendly inhalers in the US is attributed to insurance and market barriers. A dry-powder version of albuterol, a widely used medication, often faces limited insurance coverage, increasing its cost. Additionally, some dry-powder inhaler options readily available in Europe are not accessible in the US market.
Researchers emphasize that the study aims to promote policy and pricing reforms, not to place blame on patients. “We absolutely do not want to stigmatise patients with asthma and COPD,” Dr. Feldman stated. “I think it’s incumbent upon us as a society to get those medications to the patients in a sustainable way, and that ultimately falls to the highest levels.”
A related JAMA commentary underscores the necessity for insurers and policymakers to ensure the affordability and accessibility of lower-emission inhalers for all patients. The commentary also warns that forthcoming low-global-warming metered-dose inhalers may be launched as expensive, brand-name products, potentially leaving behind patients with limited insurance coverage. The study underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to promote environmentally responsible respiratory healthcare in the United States.
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