Tobacco leaves traces in the bones of smokers lasting not only throughout their lives but for centuries after their deaths, research by archaeologists has revealed, The Independent reports.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have studied human remains buried in Britain between the 12th and 19th centuries, revealing the profound impact of tobacco on bones and its link to bone-related conditions, such as an increased risk of fractures.
The study highlights how the introduction of tobacco to Western Europe around 500 years ago led to significant changes in human skeletal structure.
Using mass spectroscopy, the researchers analyzed the molecular composition of the bones, identifying 45 distinct molecular features that differentiated the bones of smokers from nonsmokers.
The study, published in Science Advances, reads: “Tobacco consumption leaves a metabolic record in human bone distinctive enough to identify its use in individuals of unknown tobacco consumption.
“Archaeological human skeletal remains have the potential to provide direct evidence that can be used to study past pathological and health conditions, including diseases associated with tobacco use.”