CFCs in inhalers for asthma and COPD.ppt

Presentation for health industry ? 2009 United Nations Environment Programme CFCs in inhalers for asthma and COPD What’s happening? The Global Problem Hole in ozone layer (ozone depletion) is a problem Has serious consequences, such as Increase in UV-B radiation-skin cancer Crop damage Decrease in marine phytoplankton Caused by ozone depleting substances that contain chlorine/bromine E.g. chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) The Global Problem Most CFCs used for commercial and manufacturing purposes E.g. aerosols, air-conditioning, refrigeration,foam manufacture CFCs also used as propellants of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) for asthma COPD MDI CFC use has always been small Globally about 1–5% of total CFC use The Global Solution Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 1987 International treaty, signed by 195 countries Aims to control ozone depleting substances CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride Set phase-out schedule for CFC production and consumption worldwide Final phase-out date set: January 1, 2010 The Global Response Worldwide adoption and implementation Real international cooperation and progress One of the most successful international agreements “I hope Governments will look at such results [from the Montreal Protocol] and feel empowered to act across a wide range of environmental challenges, and not only in prosperous times.” Mr Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General The Global Reality Even with successful implementation, ozone depletion will continue for some time CFCs charged and stored in equipment / products continue to rise to stratosphere CFCs remain in atmosphere for 50–100 years Ozone layer will return to normal about 2050 What are MDIs? Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are aerosols that deliver medication into the airways by inhalation Until recently, the MDI propellant contained CFCs Propellant evaporates, does not remain in patient’s airways Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are also available Have been used for a long time Contain no propella