Overview

• At the IRACON conference in Delhi, experts reported growing evidence that long-term exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides and ozone is associated with higher rheumatoid arthritis risk.
• Clinicians in Delhi-NCR said they are seeing more cases in younger adults without a family history, and noted that disease severity appears to be increasing in highly polluted areas.
• A 2025 European Medical Journal analysis using Mendelian randomisation was cited for providing genetic evidence connecting common air pollutants to autoimmune diseases including RA.
• International findings referenced at the meeting included Chinese data showing a 12%–18% rise in RA risk with long-term PM2.5 exposure and European cohorts reporting higher autoimmune morbidity in polluted cities.
• Rheumatologists called for cleaner transport, tighter emissions control, expanded urban green cover, public awareness and earlier screening, noting RA affects about 1% of India’s adults and flares often worsen on high-pollution days.