A study conducted by scientists from McGill University in Canada revealed an unexpected factor contributing to the development of autoimmune diseases.
The study showed that air pollution not only affects the lungs and heart but also acts as a catalyst for autoimmune diseases. Particles PM2.5 associated with polluted air are linked to the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, which are indicators of excessive immune system activity that may appear years before the diagnosis of diseases like lupus.
The researchers examined blood tests from over 3500 people and found that those living in more polluted air areas were more likely to have these indicators, even in the absence of disease symptoms. They noted that PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, with sources including vehicles, wildfire smoke, and industrial emissions.
The scientists confirmed that it is unlikely that there is a safe level of this pollution, making air quality an important factor, although it is sometimes not taken into account in the risk of autoimmune diseases, especially in more vulnerable groups.
