Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease whose etiology is incompletely understood. It is thought that certain environmental exposures'trigger’ or accelerate the disease in genetically predisposed individuals. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the latest findings on established environmental factors related to the pathophysiology of SLE and a brief summary of those for which evidence is beginning to be gathered on their role in SLE.