Unseen Threats: The Impact of Relatively Low-Level Ambient Air Pollution on Autoimmune Diseases

In developing countries like China, personal air-purifying respirators and indoor air purifiers are commonly used to mitigate high levels of air pollution, whereas lower pollution levels in many developed countries lead to less proactive measures. However, emerging evidence suggests that even relatively low-level air pollution can elevate the risk of autoimmune diseases. Recent biobank studies demonstrated a linear relationship between chronic exposure to relatively low-level ambient air pollution and the incidence of autoimmune diseases, particularly in genetically susceptible populations. Furthermore, evidence indicates that short-term exposure to low levels of PM_2.5 is associated with disease flares. This Viewpoint highlights the often-overlooked risks of low-level air pollution in contributing to autoimmune diseases in individuals with genetic predispositions; it aims to raise awareness of prevention strategies and advocate nonpharmacological interventions at both the population and individual levels, to protect high-risk groups and alleviate the burden of autoimmune diseases.