This indicator tracks the amount of CO2 equivalent emissions released into the atmosphere from prescription short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) inhalers and combined inhaled corticosteroid/ long-acting beta2 agonist (ICS/LABA) inhalers in Australia. These two types of inhalers together account for over 70% of all inhalers dispensed in Australia (2023: Total inhalers dispensed: 15.5 million; ICS/LABA=6 million; SABA=5.1 million). Nearly all SABA and around half of all ICS/LABA inhalers are dispensed as high emissions inhalers (pressurised metered dose or breath actuated inhalers) that contain potent greenhouse gases (hydrofluorocarbons) as propellants, producing between 10 and 30 times as much CO2 equivalent emissions as low emissions inhalers (dry powder or soft-mist inhalers) which are often clinically equivalent. Of note: this indicator currently does not incorporate over-the-counter-sales of SABA inhalers, we estimate these to make up at least 50% of all SABA sales, adding around 200,000t CO2e per year to our prescription data.
This HEAL indicator is a collaboration between researchers from the University of Canberra, The University of Sydney and Monash University (project lead: Dr Luise Kazda).
Related publication: Kazda L, Barratt A, Docking S et al (2025) Estimated carbon emissions for PBS-subsidised prescription respiratory inhalers, Australia, 2019–2023: a descriptive analysis. MJA, doi:10.5694/mja2.52715