[doe_eyes]

I don't think there's a pattern suggesting that. Many autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in less polluted parts of the world. The strongest links appear to be genetic, in that some diseases (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome) are clearly more common in people of certain geographic descents.

[jvanderbot]

I'm not asking if autoimmune is caused by pollution or development. I'm asking if they both have similar effects.

[datameta]

There is no distinction regardless of cause, imo. Stress can epigenetically cause an autoimmune disease, and so can pollution (including smoking), excessive alcohol, processed food diet, sedentariness, etc. Often it is a number of factors that can lead to a chronically overactive immune response.

[datameta]

I forgot to add, some have higher genetic predisposition for an autoimmune disorder, and diet/environment/lifestyle can switch those gene sections on.