Tobacco traces uncovered: Smoking's lasting mark on bones
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has discovered that traces of tobacco smoking persist in the bones of smokers, not only during their lifetimes but even after death. This groundbreaking study provides a deeper insight into the effects of tobacco on human health and skeletal structures.
Tobacco reached Western Europe around 500 years ago, which led to significant changes in health behaviours and, consequently, the structure of people's skeletons.
Until now, archaeologists mainly relied on dental examinations to determine whether 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, this method proved unreliable if the teeth were damaged or did not survive.
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 histories were unknown.
Thanks to the use of mass spectrometry, researchers were able to examine closely the molecular composition of these bones, which allowed them to identify 45 unique features that distinguished smokers' bones from those of 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
While 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 highlight the fact that smoking can lead to issues related to low bone density, increased risk of fractures, and periodontitis.
With these discoveries, scientists can now better understand how the long-term habits of smokers leave their mark not only on their overall health but also on the structure of their skeletons. This study is further evidence of how far-reaching the negative consequences of smoking are, both in health and historical perspectives.
