TY - JOUR T1 - Environmental impact of inhalers for respiratory diseases: decreasing the carbon footprint while preserving patient-tailored treatment JF - BMJ Open Respiratory Research JO - BMJ Open Resp Res DO - 10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000571 VL - 7 IS - 1 SP - e000571 AU - Sara Panigone AU - Federica Sandri AU - Rossella Ferri AU - Andrea Volpato AU - Elena Nudo AU - Gabriele Nicolini Y1 - 2020/03/01 UR - http://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/7/1/e000571.abstract N2 - Patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD) rely on three main device classes for inhalation therapy: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs). The carbon footprint (CF) of these inhalers differs with MDIs having a higher impact than DPIs and SMIs due to the propellant in MDIs. However, the certified CF of specific MDI products may differ significantly. MDIs still represent an essential option for many patients. Consequently, novel approaches shall be considered to balance environmental goals with patient health and well-being while maintaining a diverse range of choices for patients and physicians. ER -