The Diffusion Dilemma in Innovation: Slow and Unequal Uptake of Lowemission Inhalers in the USA

This study examines the adoption of low-emission Inhalers versus traditional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) in the U.S., using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2010 to 2021. Despite the environmental benefits of low-emission inhalers, their adoption has been slow and marked by socio-economic and racial disparities. Analysis reveals that patients below the poverty line are significantly less likely to use low-emission inhalers, as are patients who are uninsured, and patients who self-identify as Black—with all these gaps widening over time. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to address these disparities and enhance equitable access to environmentally friendly healthcare innovation. Future research should investigate pricing dynamics, out-of-pocket expenditures, and causal mechanisms behind these disparities. This study underscores the challenge of aligning environmental goals with health equity in healthcare innovation.