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Inhalers and their environmental impact

This page provides information you may wish to know about inhaler use in Wales. It will also signpost you to relevant resources, educational material and communications material you may wish to use in your everyday practice.

Why inhalers?

In April 2019 the Welsh government declared a climate emergency and committed to achieving a carbon neutral public sector by 2030.

In 2019, inhaler use in Wales accounts for nearly 3% of Wales’s total greenhouse gas emissions with a carbon footprint of approximately 95,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) (1)  across both primary and secondary care. This is equivalent to driving 250 million miles in a petrol car.

A target of 80% of inhalers being low global warming potential (GWP) alternatives by 2025 was set by Welsh Government in 2021.

Action to minimise the impact

An Inhaler Task and Finish group was established in December 2022 at the request of Welsh Government.

The aim of the group was to provide a coordinated approach, national oversight, input, and support to reduce the prescribing of high global warming potential (GWP) inhalers and increase responsible use and disposal of inhalers in Wales.

Other useful resources

There are several key partners who alos host a number of useful resources: