Determination of Greenhouse Gases Emissions From Pmdi Products in Greece

Abstract

The focus of the current study is on the estimation of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) products in Greece. The emissions are expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq). The total emissions of the pMDIs were estimated at 47.53 kt CO2eq and they represent the 0.052% of the total Greek GHG emissions. In addition, calculations separately for each pMDI category showed that short-acting β-agonist (SABA) pMDIs have the highest contribution on the total pMDIs emissions, due to higher annual sales. Two scenarios were implemented for evaluating possible reduction of the pMDI emissions in Greece. In scenario A, the replacement of the current propellants contained in pMDIs products, with HFA 152a which is a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) propellant was suggested. In scenario B, the emissions were estimated for the replacement of HFA 134a by the HFA 152a and the reduction of the amount of propellant contained in each pMDIs. It is concluded that implementing the above scenarios could result to a significant decrease (89-96%) of the CO2eq emissions by pMDIs products.