Air pollution linked to rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, study findsExposure to air pollution, particularly tiny particles from dust, soot and smoke, may increase disease activity and trigger flare-ups in people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to new research. Researchers say the findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors as part of long-term disease management. Previous studies have suggested that air pollution may increase the risk of developing RA. However, researchers wanted to understand whether pollution could also influence how active the disease becomes in people who already have the condition. They compared patients’ disease activity and flare-ups with estimated exposure to six common air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.