CFC free asthma inhalers

Washington, United States, December 29: Beginning Wednesday, rescue inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) will be off the retailers' shelves.

The Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of inhalers that use CFCs as they harm the ozone layer which shields the earth.

The chemical hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) replaces CFCs to pump the medicine. The medicine, albuterol, a bronchodilator used as a treatment for various pulmonarydefine diseases, however remains unchanged. The FDA and doctors have been training, preparing and helping asthmatic patients and emphysema victims, who also make use of albuterol to ease breathing, make the switch.