Not Just Your Lungs, Delhi’s Air Pollution Could Be Worsening Your Arthritis Too

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new health crisis is emerging as rising air pollution appears to be quietly worsening rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most painful and disabling autoimmune diseases worldwide, according to experts. At the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRACON 2025), being held from October 9–12, leading specialists shared findings showing that Delhi-NCR’s worsening air quality and PM2.5 pollution may be driving a noticeable increase in rheumatoid arthritis cases. In simple terms, the pollution damaging your lungs could now also be aggravating your arthritis.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the body’s joints and tissues. It commonly begins with joint pain and stiffness but, if untreated, can cause serious damage to both joints and nearby tissue. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that RA can also affect major organs such as the heart, lungs, and nervous system. When diagnosed early, its symptoms and progression can be managed through medication and also assistive tools that help maintain normal functioning. In advanced cases, surgical procedures like joint replacement may help reduce pain and restore mobility.Experts at the conference explained that autoimmune diseases such as RA, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, often lead to long-lasting pain, swelling, stiffness, and disability. These conditions have no permanent cure, making prevention and early management important.

How Does Air Pollution Trigger Your Arthritis?

While rheumatoid arthritis has long been linked to genetic and immune factors, researchers are now connecting it more strongly to environmental triggers such as toxic air. Around 1% of India’s adult population already lives with RA, but experts warn that polluted regions like Delhi-NCR may soon see even higher rates.Dr Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi, shared, “When pollution levels rise, even patients who were stable begin to experience flare-ups. We’re seeing more RA cases among individuals with no family history or genetic risk of autoimmune disease, especially those living in highly polluted areas.” She added that most of these patients fall within the 20–50 age range. “This is a public health emergency that needs immediate attention,” she emphasised.

Why Are Delhiites At The Forefront Of The Air Pollution And Arthritis Issue?

Delhi’s global reputation for poor air quality makes this issue particularly pressing for its residents, and experts agree that the city’s pollution is contributing to worsening joint health. Dr Pulin Gupta, Professor and Rheumatologist at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said, “Delhi, ranked among the top ten most polluted cities in the world, is now a focal point for autoimmune concerns. Research from Europe, China, and India shows that exposure to PM2.5, the fine particulate matter that gets deep into the lungs may be linked not only to heart and respiratory diseases but also to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.”

What Is PM2.5?

For those unfamiliar, airborne particulate matter (PM) refers to a mix of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. These include dust, smoke, soot, and chemical droplets of various sizes and compositions. They may contain metals, organic compounds, and elements from the earth’s crust. Regulators classify these particles based on size: PM10 includes particles with diameters of 10 microns or smaller, which can enter the lungs and cause harm. PM2.5 refers to finer particles measuring 2.5 microns or less which are small enough to deeply penetrate the lungs and bloodstream. PM2.5 makes up a portion of PM10 and poses a greater risk to human health due to its microscopic size.Dr Pulin Gupta explained, “There’s growing evidence that high exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and ozone increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly among genetically predisposed people. Living near busy roads, areas with constant vehicle emissions also heightens this risk.”Interestingly, these links are not just theoretical. A landmark study published in the European Medical Journal (2025) offered strong genetic evidence connecting air pollution with autoimmune diseases, including RA. Using a two-sample Mendelian randomisation method, researchers identified a direct connection between pollutants and immune dysfunction. The findings suggest that environmental pollution is playing a significant role in the rising number of autoimmune conditions worldwide.