Asthma and COPD inhalers linked to 24.9 million tonnes of US carbon emissions

A study shows asthma and COPD inhalers, especially metered-dose types with HFA propellants, generated 24.9 million tonnes of CO2 in the US (2014–2024), equivalent to emissions from 530,000 cars and USD 5.7 billion in social costs. Dry and soft mist inhalers are far less harmful

A new study has revealed that inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD may have emitted over 20 lakh tonnes of emissions in the US — equivalent to the yearly emissions of about 530,000 petrol-powered cars on the road.

The research team, including scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles, found that metered-dose inhalers — those containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants and releasing aerosols — were the most harmful to the environment, responsible for a staggering 98 per cent of emissions over