Climate change/asthma

[Palette]

Anyone else feeling concerned about the news this morning that asthma sufferers might be increasing climate change by using certain inhalers? Bad enough to have asthma without it being presented as contributing to climate change, some people cannot take the inhalers suggested, it is not fair to present it as a lifestyle choice, like not eating meat! Maybe a few less cars on the road, full of plastics, using carbon producing fuels, and more encouragement to people to walk more would be a more humane message, instead of blaming what for some people is necessity.

[ldrunner]

The average car emits 4600 kg/year. They are saying a switch to dry inhaler could save 150-460 kg/year. Ten asthmatics equal 1 car at worst, assuming none use dry powder which obviously isn't true. We have bigger issues to worry about like shutting down coal plants which emit 6,300,000,000 of carbon annually on average.

[Wheezycat]

I think we need to leave it to manufacturers, that they can figure out how to improve on this. It helps no one if we make ourselves more unwell by using inhalers that don’t suit us. Let ‘them’ figure it out, let’s not accept responsibility for this one.

[Junglechicken]

So agree that it is wrong to put the blame on sufferers of the condition. It’s the fault of the pharmaceuticals for not developing inhalers that are more environmentally friendly. We don’t choose to have the condition and we can’t choose which medication works for us. It would be perfect if we could all use dry powder inhalers but humans aren’t clones, we are all different.

[Hidden]

Asthmatics contribute a very small amount of co2 rise, as Idrunner says its big business that are to blame. It is estimated that just 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of all co2 emissions, and exxon were aware of what they were doing in the late 70s. What did they do? spent billions actively trying to discredit the science! even their own science.

theguardian.com/environment...

[hilary39]

Couldn't agree more!!!!!!!!!

[golden-retriever]

I read what the researchers said and I didn’t get the impression they were blaming asthmatics at all.

“Some patients will not be able to switch and should not be made to feel guilty, they add, and pharmaceutical companies should also look at ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the inhalers they make.”

bbc.com/news/amp/health-502...

As someone with asthma, I like to know if there is something I can do to make a difference.

[Palette in reply to golden-retriever]

I agree, I also like to know how I can make a difference and it is up to all of us to help solve the issues around climate change. But to specify a particular health issue, and cause asthma sufferers who have anxiety issues already to feel they are the ones who should change, is unfortunate. There are many areas around materials used in the health industry which need to be changed, plastics used in many appliances and equipment for example. There are countless areas where propellants for sprays are used, let's target those before we start on people who are ill. I am far from being an expert on any of this, and only have mild asthma, thank goodness, but I do feel for those less fortunate. Try to challenge the pharmaceutical companies and plastics manufacturers more. Not much fun to have to use inhalers in the first place, and sadly by even linking climate change and inhaler use people are going to feel guilty, which of course they should not. It is entirely in the hands of the pharmaceutical companies to change, and even though many of us would willingly change if we could, no-one should feel any guilt about their choices. Pollution affects us all, deal with that, then less of us would suffer from asthma, and then many of us would not need inhalers in the first place!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to golden-retriever]

The research was actually aimed at the NHS to try and standardise asthma care as it’s different across the board. And MDI is offered for vent cause it’s cheaper than DPI, but for some preventers DPIs are cheaper (and more eco friendly)... but the article was more aimed at patients. And the way the title was written (the thing most will read then move past) made it seem like asthma and inhalers were a life choice (like meat eating is). Which may cause victim blaming and judgement from trolls/eco warriors who never actually read the whole article. Plus this is not the season to ‘play’ with meds unless you’re not controlled 😅

Also with the NHS being told to cut their carbon footprint I suspect patients will suffer. DPIs are a lot harder to take when you’re not well, but it’s VERY hard to get both types prescribed. Personally I actually prefer DPIs however when I’m having an attack it is literally impossible for me to take my DPI, I have to use an MDI with spacer. If I don’t get to it in time I have a neb....

[Scooter125]

This is all BS. When they changed the propellants in inhalers back in the 90s guess who gave the most money to the campaign? The pharmaceutical companies! Then they charge for the inhalers went WAY up! The pharmaceutical companies made millions, maybe billions on it. Pharmaceuticals are using the green idiots to make money.