Green Inhalers

Aerosol inhalers, also known as metered dose inhalers, have been prescribed as standard practice for decades. However their impact on climate change is not widely known. Just one Ventolin Evohaler, for example is responsible for the same global warming potential as 28kg of CO2, or a burning car fuel to drive 175miles. Compared with the entire NHS carbon footprint, inhaler prescribing is responsible for a whopping 3% of the total and we feel strongly that this has to change quickly.

We are trying to support patients over the age of 12ys to make the switch to much more climate friendly inhalers known as Dry Powder Inhalers, or DPIs. These are responsible for a fraction of the CO2 carbon footprint compared with aerosol inhalers. Most forms of aerosol inhalers have a DPI inhaler equivalent. A useful comparison has been made on the website Green in Haler.

Our Clinical Pharmacist team will be offering this to appropriate patients in the coming months. It will also be addressed during annual asthma and COPD reviews. However if you would like to make the switch to a DPI earlier, please indicate to our reception team to arrange an appropriate appointment.

See for information this BBC News piece on ‘Why switching asthma inhaler could be better for you and the planet’.

Update November 2022 – Wooda leads the way in Green Inhaler prescribing

Latest prescribing data shows Wooda has made considerable progress when it comes to prescribing green inhalers. The graph below shows that our metered dose inhaler prescribing rates are among the lowest in the country. Well done team, and thank you to our patients for using the new, environmentally friendly inhalers!