[Inhaled Respiratory Therapy and Global Warming].

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) are potent greenhouse gases.
• The environmental impact of inhaler use, particularly pMDIs, is a growing concern in respiratory therapy.
• Understanding local patterns of inhaler use is crucial for developing targeted environmental strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the types and usage patterns of inhalers in the Galician population.
• To quantify the carbon footprint associated with inhaler use in Galicia.
• To evaluate the contribution of different inhaler types to overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted in Galicia in 2023.
• Data included patients receiving pharmaceutical care from the Galician Health Service (SERGAS) for respiratory conditions.
• Analysis focused on dispensed inhaler units and their associated carbon footprint.

Main Results:

• Over 1.7 million inhaler units were dispensed, generating a carbon footprint of 15,247,142 kg CO2eq.
• Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) constituted 43.17% of dispensed units but were responsible for 95.43% of the carbon footprint.
• Hydrofluoroalkane-134a (HFA-134a) was the most prevalent propellant in pMDIs, with 669,907 units dispensed.

Conclusions:

• Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) are the primary source of the carbon footprint from inhalers used in respiratory therapy.
• Strategies are being implemented by the Galician Health Service (SERGAS) to mitigate the environmental impact of pMDIs.
• Reducing reliance on HFC-propelled pMDIs is essential for lowering greenhouse gas emissions from respiratory treatments.