Systematic review of metered dose inhalers versus alternative devices for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs), a type of ‘puffer’ for delivering inhaled medications for respiratory disease, are estimated to be responsible for up to 3% of healthcare-associated carbon emissions. This outsized footprint is due to the very high global warming potential of the propellant gases they contain, which can be over 1000-fold higher than carbon dioxide.

The Health and Climate Initiative is currently partnering with the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration (ALEC) to conduct a systematic review into the clinical efficacy and safety of MDIs versus alternative inhalers with lower carbon footprint, for treatment of the common respiratory conditions asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study will provide important evidence to allow clinicians and patients to understand the evidence supporting different inhaler devices, especially if they are interested in making a switch towards ‘greener’ inhaler therapy.