Environmental Exposures
Although poorly understood, some exposures such as asbestos or silica may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Emergency workers exposed to dust from the collapse of a building might be at higher risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Obesity
People (especially women) aged 55 and younger, who are overweight or obese appear to be at a somewhat higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Excess weight puts added stress on joints, particularly knees, causing pain, mobility problems, and worsening arthritis damage. “Being just 10 pounds overweight increases the force on your knees by 30 to 40 pounds with every step you take. Losing weight can help to cope with arthritis.
References:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis#:~:text=Rheumatoid%20arthritis%20(RA)%20is%20an,will%20probably%20be%20affected%2C%20too.
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
[3] https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-basics#:~:text=RA%20affects%20joints%20on%20both,%2C%20blood%20vessels%2C%20and%20more.
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/causes/#:~:text=Rheumatoid%20arthritis%20is%20an%20autoimmune,viruses%2C%20helping%20to%20fight%20infection.
[5] https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/united-states-of-stress/
[6] https://www.everydayhealth.com/ptsd/guide/
[7] https://www.everydayhealth.com/ptsd/guide/