Analysis reveals increased inhaler prescriptions in Australia, suggesting strategies to reduce carbon emissions.
Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) release greenhouse gases with substantially higher carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emission than other inhalers. Data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 2013-2023, showed 28.3% increase in inhalers prescribed. pMDIs account for 47.5% of inhalers prescribed, contributing to 95.6 of inhaler-related carbon emissions. Targeted strategies to optimise disease control and promote use of non-pMDI inhalers where clinically appropriate can significantly reduce emissions while maintaining high-quality care.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lam et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: