A recent study has discovered that tobacco leaves permanent marks on bones that last for centuries. The research from the University of Leicester revealed the effects of tobacco use on skeletal structure in connection with bone disorders, shedding light on their impact on human health.

Studies conducted by archaeologists have revealed that tobacco leaves lasting traces on the bones of smokers not only during their lifetimes, but even centuries after their deaths.

Researchers from the University of Leicester examined human remains buried in England between the 12th and 19th centuries to reveal the deep impact of tobacco on bones and its association with bone-related disorders such as increased risk of fractures.

The study highlights the significant changes in the human skeletal structure caused approximately 500 years ago by the introduction of tobacco to Western Europe.

Archaeologists used to determine if a skeleton belonged to a smoker by examining tooth evidence for stains or wear from pipe use. However, this method was usually ineffective when teeth were missing. The team at the University of Leicester examined 323 cortical bones, the dense outer layer of bone providing strength, from individuals known to have used tobacco and those with unknown smoking histories.

45 DIFFERENT MOLECULAR FEATURES The research analyzed the molecular structure of bones, revealing 45 different molecular features between smokers and non-smokers.

The study indicates that tobacco consumption leaves a distinct metabolic trace in individuals and opens opportunities for investigating diseases associated with tobacco use in skeletal remains.

EFFECTS OF TOBACCO USE ON SKELETAL STRUCTURE

Dr. Sarah Inskip, one of the study’s co-authors, stated that the results of the study provide important insights into understanding the effects of tobacco use on skeletal structure and its implications for musculoskeletal diseases and oral health risks.

While the harmful effects of smoking on soft tissues and organs (such as lung, bladder, and larynx cancer, stroke, and coronary artery disease risk increase) are well-documented, its effects on bones have been less researched.

Smoking is associated with low bone density, increased risk of fractures, and bone-related conditions like periodontitis.

This research shedding light on the historical prevalence of smoking also demonstrates the extensive and enduring impact of tobacco on human health.