Research advance on the association between occupational dust exposure and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease associated with chronic inflammation.It primarily affects the joints,leading to joint pain,stiffness,and functional impairment.RA is also a chronic disabling disease that impacts patients'quality of life and life expectancy,making it a significant public health concern that burdens both individuals and society.The etiology and pathogenesis of RA are not fully understood;however,in recent years,studies have suggested that occupational dust exposure may be a risk factor for RA development.Concurrently,epidemiological research has made progress in understanding RA's causes,diagnosis,and prevention.This article reviews the progress in epidemiological research on the relationship between occupational dust exposure and the occurrence of RA,aiming to provide deeper insights and directions for further investigation.