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Last updated
July 26, 2025

Lupus

Air pollution and lupus studies reveal how environmental pollutants can trigger and exacerbate this autoimmune condition, particularly affecting women and genetically susceptible individuals. Research demonstrates that exposure to particulate matter and other air pollutants can increase lupus flare-ups and disease activity through immune system activation and inflammatory responses. The evidence suggests that air quality management may be an important component of lupus care and prevention strategies. Explore the research connecting air pollution to autoimmune disease activity and what protective measures can help manage lupus symptoms.
  • Genetics as well as environmental factors such as air pollution may trigger autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. People exposed to air pollution are between 13% to 17% more likely to develop SLE. Those with high genetic predisposition and high exposure were 316% to 461% more likely to have a risk of developing SLE compared to those low genetic factors and low exposure. Overall, exposure to air pollution can trigger genetic predispositions to Lupus along with other autoimmune diseases. (Sullivan, 2024)
    • How to protect yourself from these triggers? Wear masks. It is difficult to avoid unhealthy air, but wearing a mask can have more risk benefits than it did with COVID

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