Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology

Exploring Sustainable Inhaler Prescribing in the Face of Climate Change

6^th Global Summit on Environmental Health

April 14, 2025 | Webinar

Joachim Starup Hansen

Brighton Sussex Medical School, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Pet Environ Biotechnol

Abstract:

Climate change has been described as the greatest global health threat of the 21st century. In response, governments worldwide are enacting legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs). The healthcare sector contributes significantly to GHGEs, and in line with national legislation, the NHS has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The management of asthma and COPD largely relies on medications delivered via inhalers. In the UK, pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), which use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants, account for approximately 3.5% of the NHSâ??s total carbon footprint. In contrast, dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which do not contain HFCs, have a significantly lower carbon footprint. This review examines the impact of inhaler choices across four domains: environmental impact, clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and patient preferences. We find that, in addition to their lower global warming potential, DPIs offer further advantages and should be considered as a first-line option where clinically appropriate.

Biography :

Joachim Starup-Hansen is a final year Medical student at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. He has an avid interest in the role of structural implementations of solutions to target climate change and global warming. In this talk he would discuss the low hanging fruit that could be reaped to combat climate change.