Leading rheumatologists at the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association – IRACON 2025 (October 9-12) cited that toxic air and PM2.5 pollution could be fuelling a surge in rheumatoid arthritis cases across Delhi-NCR.
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR worsens during the cold months due to several factors, and experts warn that this climate condition may trigger rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease.
Leading rheumatologists at the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association – IRACON 2025 (October 9-12) cited that toxic air and PM2.5 pollution could be fuelling a surge in rheumatoid arthritis cases across Delhi-NCR.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
At the ongoing event, experts pointed out that autoimmune diseases like RA are lifelong conditions. A person living with RA may experience chronic joint pain, swelling, stiffness and sometimes disability. This occurs when your immune system attacks your body’s own tissues.
Dr Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi, told the media, “When pollution levels are high, the patients who do well otherwise, their condition also worsen We are observing a rise in RA cases in patients living in polluted areas with no family history or genetic predisposition to autoimmune disease.”
Raising concerns about the rise in cases of the medical condition, she added, “This is a public health emergency we can no longer ignore.”
Cause Of Rising Cases In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Pointing out reduced green spaces in Delhi-NCR for the cause of increased RA cases, Dr Pulin Gupta, Professor and Rheumatologist at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said, “What we are witnessing is not just a increase in cases of RA but these cases are also more severe Reduced green spaces in urban areas are worsening the problem, depriving residents of protective environmental buffers.”
“Studies show strong associations between exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and ozone with increased risk of RA cases, especially in genetically susceptible individuals. Living near busy roads, which means constant traffic-related pollution, has also been linked to higher RA risk,” he added.
“A landmark study published in the European Medical Journal (2025) provided strong genetic evidence connecting air pollution to autoimmune diseases, including RA. Using a two-sample Mendelian randomisation approach, the study identified significant causal links between common pollutants and immune system dysfunction, highlighting environmental damage as a crucial driver in the rise of these diseases.”
How To Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatologists at the event outlined that RA is a lifelong condition with no permanent cure, but it can be managed with healthy lifestyle choices. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines five ways to manage your RA symptoms:
- Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle may worsen your health condition. Therefore, experts suggest moderate physical activity for 150 minutes each week to help you manage RA better.
- Managing your weight is a crucial part of managing RA. “Even a 5%, or 12-pound loss, for a 250-pound person can help,” CDC states.
- Protect your joints by avoiding physical activities that may worsen your condition, like repeated knee bending.
- Consult with a doctor if medicines are required to manage the symptoms.
- Lastly, awareness of rheumatoid arthritis is vital to manage arthritis. CDC states, “These workshops can help you learn to manage pain, exercise safely, and gain control of your arthritis.”
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