Passive smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis linked

Passive smoking in childhood has a rheumatoid arthritis link. 

This study was done with over 70,000 women at University Hospitals of South Paris. It discovered the alarming fact that the women who had been exposed to cigarettes smoke in their childhood had a significantly increased risk of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis in later life.

"Our study highlights the importance of avoiding any tobacco environment in children, especially in those with a family history of RA," said Professor Raphaele Seror.

The participants were asked if as a child they were in a smoky room and for how many hours a day. 

RA is the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease, affecting about 0.5-1% of the general population and causing progressive joint destruction, disability and reduced life expectancy. 

In recent years, many potential environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing RA, but so far smoking is the only one that has been extensively studied. 

SOURCE: eular Press Releases for 16.06.17 pdf