Reducing environmental footprint of asthma treatments by promoting appropriate inhaler disposal.

Metered dose inhalers(MDIs)used to treat asthma contain hydrofluoroalkanes(HFA) propellants which are potent greenhouse gases,1000–3000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In the UK approximately 70% of inhalers used are MDIs and account for 3% of the carbon footprint of the health service. Inhalers should not be put into household waste as this allows release of remaining HFAs into the atmosphere. Incineration thermally degrades HFAs into far less potent greenhouse gases. This can be facilitated if patients return all used inhalers to pharmacies for disposal. <bold>Objectives:</bold> 1. To ascertain patient's and parent's knowledge about inhaler disposal with regards to it’s effects on the environment and current patient practice regarding inhaler disposal. 2. To improve patient awareness regarding “greener” inhaler disposal. Our baseline survey revealed that 70% of patients were not aware of the environmental friendly way of inhaler disposal via incineration,58% disposed them in household waste and only 28% returned these to pharmacies. Following this we put in a series of improvement initiatives to promote appropriate inhaler disposal in our clinics. These included electronic posters in waiting areas, reminders on clinic letters and use of specially designed animal themed inhaler disposal bins.A resurvey 12 months later demonstrate an improvement in the knowledge and willingness of parents and patients (32% disposing in domestic waste and 40% via pharmacy). Effective inhaler disposal can help make a small but important contribution to reduction of the carbon footprint of asthma treatment. There is a need to raise awareness of this within families and professionals.