Asthma Inhalers Produce as Much Carbon Emissions as 530,000 Cars

A new study has identified an often-overlooked source of greenhouse gas emissions: inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), CBS News reports. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the research estimates that inhaler use in the U.S. generated roughly 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from 2014 to 2024—comparable to the annual output of about 530,000 gasoline-powered cars.

The majority of these emissions—98%—came from metered-dose inhalers, the familiar boot-shaped devices. The environmental impact stems not from the medication itself, but from the hydrofluoroalkane propellants that deliver it. These chemicals, also found in common aerosol sprays, are potent greenhouse gases.

The findings are particularly significant given that 28 million Americans have asthma and 34 million live with chronic lung disease, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. With climate change expected to worsen air quality, these numbers are projected to rise, making inhaler-related emissions a growing concern.

Researchers point out that alternative inhaler devices, such as dry powder or soft mist inhalers, provide the same treatments without relying on propellants, offering a lower-emission option. Dr. William Feldman, the study’s lead author, said, “There is tremendous opportunity to make changes that protect both patients and the planet.”

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