Environment and your inhalers

The gases (propellant) in some inhalers, particularly pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), are powerful greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming; however, these are not harmful to you.

The NHS is asking people using a pMDI to consider changing their inhaler to a dry powder inhaler (DPI) or a soft mist inhaler (SMI) if safe and right to do so and recommended by your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist. Your medicine will continue to work in the same way. Research has so far shown that changing to a more environmentally friendly inhaler works well for most people. Many adults find these inhalers easier to use because it’s easier to get the technique right.

As long as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist shows you how to use your new inhaler, and you can use it well, changing from an pMDI to a DPI is not linked to symptoms getting worse or asthma attacks. But if it really doesn’t suit you, you can ask to change back.