About HFAs

HFA albuterol inhalers give patients the same benefits and medicine as older CFC inhalers, but with benefits for the environment.

Aerosol sprays containing CFCs were first regulated in 1978 after it was discovered that the earth's ozone layer of the atmosphere was becoming thinner.

Scientists discovered that CFCs in products like deodorant and hair spray could add to this thinning of the ozone layer. As we learned more about the importance of the ozone layer, greater efforts were taken to remove CFCs from production and use.

An international treaty, known as the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, was signed by the United States and many other countries in 1987. This treaty called for a complete phasing out of CFC production. Medical products, such as CFC albuterol inhalers, were excluded from the phase-out until safe and effective alternatives could be developed.

HFA albuterol inhalers are a safe and effective alternative to CFC albuterol inhalers, and for that reason, a total transition to HFA albuterol inhalers was mandated to be completed by December 31, 2008.

For more information about the Montreal Protocol and the CFC ban visit the Food and Drug Administration Web site at www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm080462.htm or the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html

To learn more about HFA albuterol inhalers, CLICK HERE.