Posted on 10 February, 2022
***CALLING ALL PATIENTS WHO ARE PRESCRIBED INHALERS***
It is estimated that 15% of the total General Practice carbon footprint in the UK is due to the prescribing of inhalers.
Aerosol inhalers use carbon-based propellants, meaning that many inhalers contribute to the global carbon footprint and therefore impact climate change.
Did you know that one Ventolin Evohaler has the same carbon footprint as driving a small, petrol car 175 miles?
Dry powder inhalers do not have any propellant, and therefore do not significantly contribute to climate change. Some brands are totally carbon-neutral.
The NHS has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2025 and this will not be possible without a large proportion of patients switching over to dry powder inhalers.
Dry powder inhalers are easy to use and most patients are able to use them without any problem. Many patients prefer them to aerosol inhalers.
If you are prescribed an aerosol style inhaler we would like you to consider taking the following action:
- Do NOT stop taking your current inhaler
- Put through a request on askmyGP entitled ‘eco-friendly inhalers’
- either Liz (Asthma Nurse) or John (Clinical Pharmacist) will be in toInhaleruch in due course to discuss how to safely switch to a suitable dry powder alternative (please note, it may take longer than usual to respond to these requests as more clinically urgent requests will be prioritised)
You can read more information about this issue here:
