P48 Have we taken any steps to reduce the environmental impacts of inhalers? A perspective from a specialist respiratory team in a deprived area of the UK

• DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2023-btsabstracts.200
• Publication Date: 2023-11-06T15:30:56Z
• Authors: D Kadar; K Fitzsimmons; E Gossage; S Sibley; D Wat; D Barber; E Rickards; S Hayes
• Keywords: Carbon Footprint

<h3>Introduction</h3> Climate change is an important driver of health inequalities. Air pollution disproportionately affects deprived and vulnerable communities.¹ Inhaled therapies are key components respiratory conditions such as asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) found in meter dose inhalers (MDIs) powerful greenhouse gases. MDIs have a high carbon footprint 500g CO2eq per dose, compared to 20g Dry powder (DPIs).² The MDI prescribing equivalent 850,000 tonnes emissions each year England.² <h3>Aim</h3> Identify the most common inhaler methods develop action plan support reduction prescriptions within our Trust. <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective audit with all outpatient contacts 1-month period from 1 February 28 2022 <h3>Results</h3> Most were (n=137, 61%) DPIs (n=89, 39%) <h3>Conclusions</h3> prescribed for COPD management, which highlights good practice adoption environmental concerns. treatment well reliever choice. This suggests possible clinician concerns about presumed efficacy treating population copd exacerbation. Further research education advised align clinical this area <h3>References</h3> Public Health England, 'Health Matters: Pollution,' UK Government, London, 2018. Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, 'Reducing climate impact inhalers: environmentally safe disposal,' 2021.