Certain occupations linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Some occupations may put workers at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis says research in Arthritis Care & Research.

We already know that environmental factors probably play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis by triggering autoimmune reactions in people who are susceptible.

So a team from Sweden looked at information from 3,522 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 5,580 healthy people. They took into account smoking habits, alcohol use, educational level and body mass index.

Key findings

• Men in the manufacturing sector had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than workers in the professional, administrative and technical sectors (the reference group).
• Men who were electrical and electronics workers and material handling operators were twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than the reference group. Bricklayers and concrete workers had a threefold increased risk.
• In women, assistant nurses and attendants had a slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis but those in the manufacturing sector did not (perhaps because of the small number of women who work in this sector compared with men).

Implications

“Our findings therefore indicate that work-related factors, such as airborne harmful exposures, may contribute to disease development,” says Dr Ilar, who led the work. “It is important that findings on preventable risk factors are spread to employees, employers, and decision-makers in order to prevent disease by reducing or eliminating known risk factors.”

More research is needed to pinpoint the exposures that may be involved but potential suspects include silica, asbestos, organic solvents and motor exhaust.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.