Rheumatoid Arthritis and Air Pollution

In a recent study, it was shown that air pollution is associated with increased severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease.

The researchers identified an exposure-response relationship between air pollution concentration and the risk for having abnormal protein (CRP) levels. The risk for having greater CRP levels increased for patients exposed to higher concentrations of air pollutants.

And, in the 60-day period preceding a flare up, concentrations of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, and ozone were higher.

To read the report findings, look here.