Each puff has about the same climate impact as driving a gas-powered car one mile. Patients in the U.S. were prescribed aboutIt’s an unfortunate cycle. What are known as metered-dose inhalers contribute to global warming, which means more fires, smoke, longer allergy seasons and other problems for people with respiratory problems and — a greater need for inhalers. There are alternatives. They won’t work for everyone.
But if you want to talk to your doctor about switching inhalers, here’s some info to get you started.It’s about the size and shape of a hockey puck. There’s a small hole at the top. You suck in the medication. Many meds used to treat asthma and other lung diseases are available in these devices. Dr. Miguel Divo holds up a new inhaler about the size of a hockey puck that doesn't emit greenhouse gases when it's used. (Jesse Costa/WBUR) Another option is a soft mist inhaler. As the name implies, they release a mist containing medications from a mouthpiece on the device. Those are generally more expensive and less availabl