Pollution Can Harm Joints Too, Not Just Lungs: Experts Warn

Experts warn that poor air quality is not only damaging lungs but also increasing cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — a painful autoimmune disease affecting joints. Studies from India, Europe, and China show that exposure to PM2.5 particles can trigger inflammation, leading to severe RA even in people without a family history.

Doctors from AIIMS and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital reported that patients from polluted areas show faster and more aggressive disease progression. They urged immediate action — stricter pollution control, early health screening, more green spaces, and cleaner transport — to prevent a public health crisis.