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Ozone depletion

Ozone depleting substances (ODS) are a group of chemicals that can lead to destruction of ozone in the upper atmosphere. The mechanism of this chemical reaction is complex and it took many years for scientists to understand the effect on the environment. When ODSs are released at the earth’s surface they tend to accumulate close to the surface in the troposphere where they are not reactive and do not destroy the ozone. However, ODSs are eventually carried into the stratosphere where they are converted into more reactive gases, which then participate in reactions that destroy ozone. The loss of ozone in the upper atmosphere causes more ultraviolet-B radiation to reach the earth’s surface and this can cause adverse environmental effects and adverse health effects such as skin cancer, ageing of the skin, eye disorders and suppression of the immune system. Before these adverse impacts were understood, industrial use of ODSs was very common.

GlaxoSmithKline uses ODSs in its Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs). MDIs are used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma. Asthma is a chronic and life threatening disease that affects 300 million people around the world. Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are one of the main forms of treatment for asthma. MDIs were first introduced in the 1950s. The MDI is a pocket-sized, hand-held, pressurised multiple dose inhalation system that can deliver a precise dose of medication to the airways when used appropriately. Essential components of an MDI are a canister, the drug substance, a gas to propel the drug into the patient and a device for releasing and directing the dose.

For decades, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the most suitable propellant for use in MDIs because they are non-toxic, non-reactive, non-flammable, odour and taste free and excellent solvents. However, CFCs have now been recognised as ozone depleting and global warming gases.

In support of the principles of the Montreal protocol GlaxoSmithKline has embarked on a comprehensive reformulation programme for all our MDIs. The company has also invested heavily in dry powder delivery systems that do not use CFCs. This has been a long and costly process, with total costs estimated at $1 billion. As a result of this work, GlaxoSmithKline now offers a selection of alternatives to CFC-containing MDIs in most countries. We plan to make no further requests for “essential use” CFC volumes after 2005 and plan to eliminate the use of CFCs from our product portfolio and operations before the end of 2010.

GlaxoSmithKline is taking steps to reduce the ozone depleting impact arising from our processes, products and operations by:

• Reformulating the propellant in the MDIs from CFCs to HFA 134a, a non-ozone-depleting (although still a global warming) replacement
• Minimising emissions arising from MDIs rejected during the manufacturing stage in accordance with national standards
• Launching globally the non-CFC MDI as soon as possible after obtaining regulatory approval
• Removing the corresponding CFC product from the market within 6-12 months of launch depending on individual country health practices
• Offering a choice of an MDI or DPI (dry powder inhaler) device for our respiratory drugs
• Continuing to invest in research & development of novel inhaler devices with even lower environmental impacts
• Minimising fugitive emissions of CFCs and other ozone-depleting gases from our manufacturing sites through engineering controls and replacing equipment, containing more than 1 kilogram of CFC, before the end of 2010.
• Ensuring no new equipment using or containing ODSs is specified, purchased or installed.

GSK also uses hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFCs) in some equipment such as air conditioners, chillers and refrigeration equipment.  HCFCs were developed as an alternative to CFCs because they have a much lower impact on the ozone layer.  However, they are included as part of the Montreal protocol so a GSK team has been formed to develop a business strategy to replace this equipment as soon as possible.