Prescribing trends and environmental impact of prescribed inhaled medicines in Australia

Sharon W. L, Vidya V. Navaratnam, Danielle F. Wurzel, Brett Montgomery, John D. Blakey, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Medical School, Curtin University, Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Royal Children, s Hospital and Murdoch Children, s Research Institute, Medical School, University of Western Australia

Chronic Respiratory Disease

Published online on March 19, 2026

Abstract

Chronic Respiratory Disease, Volume 23, January-December 2026.
Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) release greenhouse gases with substantially higher carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emission than other inhalers. Data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 2013-2023, showed 28.3% increase in ...