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Could the inhalation of cadmium and other metals in addition to textile dust inhalation account for the observed increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in textile workers?
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We read the report of Too et al1 with interest. We support the hypothesis of gene–environment interaction triggering an autoimmune response to citrullinated proteins in lung tissue, and feel this study strengthens the concept of inhalation of workplace dust or fumes stimulating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development.
It has been hypothesised that cadmium inhalation within dust or fumes may trigger RA.2 This hypothesis noted that patients with RA are significantly more likely to work in specific occupations associated with increased cadmium exposure as a result of inhalation of various dusts or fumes. Textile manufacture may well be added to this as an …