Many physicians are concerned about climate change. Studies suggest that health care accounts for 4.6 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, with a significant proportion due to inhaler prescriptions. And that’s where Drs. Kelly Lau and Kevin Liang are hoping to convince their family physician colleagues to change their habits.

“The biggest difference a family physician can make is with the prescriptions we write,” said Dr. Liang, who works primarily in Fraser Health but also at a VC community care clinic. “And the prescriptions we write for asthma and COPD are the ones that make the greatest impact on the environment because of the gas used in many of the inhalers. The gas in certain inhalers is the equivalent of driving a gas-powered car 170 kilometres.”

Fortunately, there are low carbon inhaler alternatives that are both better for patients as well as the environment. Unfortunately, many family physicians are not aware of these. But Drs. Lau and Liang are out to change that. They are promoting a low carbon inhaler toolkit that guides family physicians on the choices they can make when writing or renewing a prescription.

“The toolkit gives some background on the shift to low carbon inhalers and the associated benefits,” said Dr. Lau who works in Vancouver Community and is a member of the VA/VC Medical Staff Planetary Health Committee. “There’s also a checklist and tools and resources. Dr. Liang and I are now working with individual clinics to get them to switch prescription patterns.”

To date, Drs. Lau and Liang have made presentations to three VC-affiliated clinics and are reaching out to others. A poster has also been developed for clinics and the BC Inhalers website also offers information. Both physicians are available to make presentations at family clinics in VCH or Fraser Health. They are also willing to provide support to family physicians who take on a quality improvement project at their clinic to see if they can increase the uptake there of prescribing low carbon inhalers.

“We’re looking to connect with other clinics, to build relationships, share knowledge, and act as supports for family physicians,” said Dr. Lau.

“Every health authority is working on low carbon inhaler initiatives,” added Dr. Liang. “As someone who is passionate about the environment and climate action, I’m excited to see BC becoming a leader in this.”

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