Respiratory
Losing the lungs of planet is costing us our own lungs
How will climate change affect Respiratory Health?
Changes in climate and the frequency of extreme weather events may directly or indirectly impact those with respiratory diseases.
For example, high temperatures themselves can impact on respiratory function for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or COPD. Climate change may also be responsible for changes to the pollen season and the introduction of new aeroallergens, and high temperatures can increase exposure to ground-level ozone, both of which can exacerbate respiratory diseases, for example by triggering asthma attacks.
Climate change has also been associated with extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, which can lead to damp and mould in homes and subsequently worsen respiratory health. Air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels already contributes to around 30,000 deaths in the UK every year.
In addition, there is some evidence that a changing climate will have an impact on the distribution of some of pathogens and may influence the incidence and severity of some respiratory infections, such as influenza.
How is Respiratory Medicine Affecting Climate Change?
By far the most talked about impact of respiratory medicine on climate change is the role of inhalers. Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) accounted for 70% of prescribed inhalers in the UK in 2020, compared to only 50% in the rest of Europe. These inhalers contain hydrofluorocarbons, which are powerful greenhouse gases. In 2022, they were estimated to be responsible for 3% of the NHS’s entire carbon footprint (for comparison, staff commuting makes up 4%!).
British Thoracic Society (BTS)
BTS has information on the impacts of environmental changes on lung health, including evidence summaries and position statements. Check it out below
Discussion Ideas with Patients and Colleagues
Patients:
"Warm weather can make your asthma worse for a couple of reasons. It is helpful to try to keep your home cool and to make sure you have your inhaler with you when it’s warm out"
"When you are finished with an inhaler, ask your local pharmacy if they can recycle it for you. Throwing them in the bin at home could mean that they sit in landfill where they can release gases which contribute to global warming"
Colleagues
"Could we develop a local strategy to switch our patients to dry powder inhalers?"
"Could we consider linking up with an inhaler recycling scheme and getting recycling containers on-site?"
Highest impact actions for Respiratory Departments
BTS recommends switching patients’ inhalers to low carbon alternatives, such as propellant-free dry powder inhalers, reusable soft mist inhalers or smaller canister pMDIs where it is clinically appropriate to do so.
Where available, take part in or point patients towards inhaler recycling schemes.
Promoting smoking cessation is not only beneficial for patients’ respiratory health, but can also have benefits for the climate due to the large environmental footprint of the tobacco industry.
For More Information
Join the Sustainable Respiratory Care Network at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare