Exposure to cadmium links smoking, the most import antetiological factor in the development of seropositive RA, and many of the other known contemporary risk factors. Epidemiological studies investigating the link between smoking, occupations, social class, region of residency and RA should consider cadmium exposure as an important confounding factor. Studies to determine if cadmium can induce citrullination will be pivotal in determining if cadmium has indeed been the villain behind the curtain regarding the pathogenesis of seropositive RA.