The FDA has come out with a recommendation to ban asthma inhalers using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a propellant. This would effectively remove from the market such successful and relatively cheap over-the-counter products such as Primatene Mist. The reason for this ban has nothing to do with the effectiveness or any problems with the drugs themselves. You see, environmentalists obtained a world-wide ban on CFCs, which were not only used as a propellant but also as a coolant in products like Freon, back in the early 1990s via the UN treaty known as the Montreal Protocol. The theory is that CFC’s deplete the ozone layer increasing human exposure to the sun’s rays and increasing the incidence of skin cancer. As part of this agreement an exception was carved out for certain drugs like asthma inhalers. It should also be pointed out that the amount of CFCs released each year from these inhalers is undetectable as a percentage of the total, and could not possibly have any effect on the overall ?thickness? of the ozone layer.

So one would expect that, given the great benefits to asthmatics from using these inhalers and the undetectable benefits to the rest of society from a possible ban, that the American Lung Association would be vehemently opposed to it. Well guess again, the ALA has decided to throw its hat in with its environmentalist allies in favor of the ban. Here’s. their reasoning:

?The American Lung Association agrees with the FDA recommendation because it protects the environment and removes an over-the-counter substitute that has more side effects than prescription medications.?

Now, about those poor saps who will have to pay more for their new prescription only medication…this gives the ALA a chance to put in a plug for socialized medicine.

?The announcement highlights the need for all people with asthma and other lung diseases have access to regular medical care and life-saving medicines. The American Lung Association remains committed to measures that ensure universal access to quality health care services and appropriate specialty care for all Americans.?

For some sanity and real science on this issue check out Junk Science.com’s Steve Milloy over at Fox News.com.