Link between passive smoking in childhood and rheumatoid arthritis

In smokers, exposure to tobacco early in life through passive smoking in childhood increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, says research presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.

A total of 350 women with rheumatoid arthritis filled out questionnaires. Analysis of the data collected showed that passive smoking exposure during childhood increased the association between rheumatoid arthritis risk and adult active smoking.

“Our study highlights the importance of avoiding any tobacco environment in children, especially in those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis,” says lead author Prof Raphaèle Seror.

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