Tobacco leaves lasting traces: Leicester study reveals bone impact
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has discovered that traces of tobacco smoking remain in smokers' bones not only throughout their lives but also after death. This groundbreaking study provides a deeper understanding of the impact of tobacco on human health, as well as on skeletal structures.
Tobacco reached Western Europe around 500 years ago, resulting in many changes in people's health behaviours, including the structure of their skeletons.
Until now, archaeologists mainly relied on dental examinations to determine if a person was a smoker. They looked for discolourations or wear caused by pipe smoking, which was relatively effective if the teeth were well-preserved. However, if the teeth were damaged or did not survive, this method proved unreliable.
A new approach to bone research
The team of scientists from the University of Leicester decided to examine a different aspect—bones. They analysed 323 cortical bones (the outer, dense layer) from both individuals known to be smokers and those whose smoking history was unknown.
Through the use of mass spectrometry, researchers could closely examine the molecular composition of these bones, allowing them to identify 45 unique features that distinguished smokers' bones from non-smokers.
The results of the study, which were published in the prestigious journal "Science Advances," were unequivocal.
The consumption of tobacco leaves a metabolic mark in human bone that is distinctive enough to identify its use in individuals with unknown smoking histories, reads "Science Advances."
Long-term consequences of smoking
Although the harmful effects of smoking on soft tissues and organs such as the lungs, bladder, or throat, along with the risk of cancers, strokes, or heart disease, are well documented—the impact on bones was less studied until now. New observations shed light on the fact that smoking can lead to issues related to low bone density, increased risk of fractures, and periodontitis.
With these discoveries, scientists can more effectively understand how the long-term habits of smokers leave a mark not only on their overall health but also on the structure of their skeleton. This study further evidences how far-reaching the negative consequences of smoking are, both in health and historical perspectives.
