Campaign to reduce the environmental impact of inhalers

Aim: Development of an education campaign in Xátiva- Ontinyent Department Health to reduce the carbon footprint through the sustainable use of inhalers. Outline of context: Climate change is one of the most important global emergencies today that causes a greater incidence or worsening of respiratory diseases. Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) used to treat respiratory diseases such as Asthma or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contain propellants derived from hydrofluoroalkanes (HFA), a greenhouse gas that produces an increase in the carbon footprint and global warming. Brief description of the change: The Research and Innovation Unit of Xátiva -Ontinyent Department Health conducted an analysis of the environmental impact of inhalers prescribed by the Primary Health Care and the hospital in 2022. The total carbon footprint rose 584,68 t C02, 92% due to the use of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), 6,62% due to the use of dry powder inhalers (DPI) and 1,38 due to the use of mild vapor inhalers (SMI). After this analysis, a working group was formed with Primary Care, Pulmonology, Hospital Pharmacy and Nursing to create a project that would reduce carbon emissions generated by the prescription of pressurized inhalers. During 2023 an awareness campaign was carried out aimed at health professionals, patients and pharmacies with education on the environmental management of pressurized inhalers with posters, videos and training sessions. Lessons learned: There is a great lack of knowledge of the environmental impact of inhalers. It is necessary to promulgate sustainable medical practices such as recycling or prescribing less polluting inhalers. Messages for others: As health professionals we can carry out actions that improve the environment and the respiratory health of our patients.