PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Sara Panigone
AU  - Federica Sandri
AU  - Rossella Ferri
AU  - Andrea Volpato
AU  - Elena Nudo
AU  - Gabriele Nicolini
TI  - Environmental impact of inhalers for respiratory diseases: decreasing the carbon footprint while preserving patient-tailored treatment
AID  - 10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000571
DP  - 2020 Mar 01
TA  - BMJ Open Respiratory Research
PG  - e000571
VI  - 7
IP  - 1
4099  - http://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/7/1/e000571.short
4100  - http://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/7/1/e000571.full
SO  - BMJ Open Resp Res2020 Mar 01; 7
AB  - 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.