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Last updated
July 26, 2025

Auto-immune

Air pollution and auto-immune diseases research uncovers alarming connections between environmental pollutants and conditions affecting the body's immune system. Studies link air pollution exposure to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, bowel inflammation diseases including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and osteoarthritis, with chronic exposure to particulate matter above recommended levels associated with a 10% higher risk of developing immune diseases. The evidence shows that air pollution triggers adaptive immunity responses that misfire, causing systemic inflammation, tissue damage, and ultimately autoimmune disease development. Explore the latest research on how environmental toxins are driving the rise in autoimmune conditions and what this means for prevention strategies.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, bowel inflammation diseases (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), osteoarthritis linked to air pollution (Cockburn, 2022)
  • Air pollution triggers adaptive immunity, but it misfires causing systemic inflammation, tissue damage, and ultimately an autoimmune disease (Cockburn, 2022)
  • Chronic exposure to PM air pollution above recommendation associated with 10% higher risk of developing an immune disease (Cockburn, 2022)

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