Inhaler-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US Reach Alarming Levels

Strategic Insights -

A comprehensive study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital has revealed that inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), estimated that between 2014 and 2024, 1.6 billion inhalers were dispensed, generating an estimated 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that metered-dose inhalers were responsible for 98% of all emissions during the study period, with short-acting b-agonist, inhaled corticosteroid-long-acting b-agonist, and inhaled corticosteroid classes accounting for the majority of emissions.
  • Albuterol, budesonide-formoterol, and fluticasone propionate inhalers were identified as the top three contributors to total emissions, responsible for 87% of total emissions.
  • The estimated social costs of emissions were conservatively estimated to be between $3.5 billion and $10.0 billion.
  • The research highlights the need for policymakers and regulators to implement targeted solutions to reduce emissions, such as shifting utilization to dry powder and soft mist inhalers and facilitating the entry of newer, affordable metered-dose products containing propellants with low global warming potential.

Statistics:

  • 1.6 billion inhalers were dispensed in the US from 2014 to 2024.
  • Estimated greenhouse gas emissions from these inhalers reached 24.9 million metric tons of CO2e.
  • Annual emissions increased by 24% from 1.9 million mtCO2e in 2014 to 2.3 million mtCO2e in 2024.
  • The top three contributors to total emissions were responsible for 87% of emissions.

Sources:

  • "Inhaler-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US: A Serial Cross-Sectional Analysis" (2025), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
  • NewsRx. Study Results from Brigham and Women's Hospital in the Area of Drug Research Reported (Inhaler-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US: A Serial Cross-Sectional Analysis). Global Warming Focus. October 20, 2025; p 8148.