Greener Inhaled Corticosteroids

By Dr Philip Koopowitz

Some corticosteroid inhalers contain propellants, known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs do not have an effect on the ozone layer. However, they are powerful greenhouse gases and can contribute to global warming. Pressurised MDIs (pMDIs)and Breathe-Actuated MDIs (BAMDIs) contain HFCs, but Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) and Breathe Activated Dry Powder Inhalers (BADPIs) do not. The Informatics section of the Dispex Website has an up-to-date list of Corticosteroid inhalers and categorises them according to whether they are Aerosol or Non-aerosol inhalers. Click here to read the full article.