This academic paper reports a strong association between smoking (cumulative exposure) and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. There was evidence of increasing risk with increasing exposure, but this was not systematic in pattern.
Evidence from:
D. Hutchinson et al. Annals of Rheumatic Disease. Jan (2001) Vol. 60 #3
Along with estimates of the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and the prevalence of smoking habit, the annual number of cases attributable to tobacco smoke may be estimated.
The Radar report is available to subscribers:
