Delhi Air Pollution Triggers Rheumatoid Arthritis

Experts at the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRACON 2025) have warned that severe air pollution in India — Delhi-NCR is silently triggering and worsening Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases. Leading rheumatologists from institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, and Fortis Healthcare presented evidence linking toxic air and PM2.5 pollution to a surge in RA, even among young individuals with no genetic predisposition. This chronic autoimmune disease, which affects about 1% of India's adult population, is now seen as a public health emergency. Studies from Europe, China, and India show that exposure to fine particulate matter can disturb immune balance, cause systemic inflammation, and increase the risk of RA. India — Delhi's air quality, often exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, makes it a hotspot for this pollution-associated autoimmune disease risk. Experts emphasize the need for policy action to reduce emissions and for individuals to adopt anti-inflammatory lifestyles and minimize pollution exposure.