The Impact of Inhalers on the Environment and Climate Change

Introduction

In the management of respiratory conditions, inhaled medications serve as the cornerstone of therapy. However, their utilization significantly contributes to carbon emissions generated by the healthcare industry. In addition to exacerbating climate change, these excessive carbon emissions have detrimental effects on both health and valuable resources. The "Building Responsible Environmental Awareness Through Inhaler Education (B.R.E.A.T.H.E.)" project was initiated with the goal of developing educational resources to increase awareness and understanding on the impact of inhalers on the environment and climate change, and how pharmacists can play a role in reducing this impact. Additionally, we conducted a survey to gauge pharmacy student knowledge, interest and preferences on how to best incorporate climate change and sustainability into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Overall, we hope the project outcomes help empower students and instructors on how to navigate, address, and manage the impact of climate change on human health.

Lecture

Video Link: BREATHE Lecture

Lecture Slides:File:B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Lecture Slides.pdf

Animation

Video Link: BREATHE Animation

Student Perspectives on Curriculum Integration

Resources

Below is a list of additional resources to further understanding on this topic:

Funding

The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Project was funded by the University of British Columbia's Student As Partners Fund and Open Educational Resources Grant.

Project Team Members

Simroop Ladhar (BSc., PharmD 2024)^a, Ingrid R. Frank (BSc., PharmD 2024)^a, Jasdeep Gill (BSc. PharmD 2025)^a and Dr. Karen Dahri (BSc. (Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP)^{a, b}

^a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada

^b Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC, Canada

Last Updated by Simroop Ladhar (June 2024)