Tobacco brands persist for centuries

Archaeological research details that tobacco leaves marks on the bones of smokers, which persist both throughout life and for centuries after death.

Researchers at the University of Leicester analyzed human remains buried in Britain between the 12th and 19th centuries and revealed this deep damage, which is associated with an increased risk of fractures and other bone conditions.

It highlights how the introduction of tobacco to Western Europe, approximately 500 years ago, generated notable changes in bone structure. Traditionally, archaeologists relied on dental tests to identify smokers, based on stains or wear from pipe use; However, this method became ineffective when the teeth were not preserved or were missing.

They examined 323 cortical bones as well as their dense, tough outer layer in known and unidentified smokers. Through mass spectroscopy they identified molecular differences that clearly separated the bones of smokers from non-smokers.

Published in Science Advances, the study states: Tobacco consumption leaves a mark on human bones clear enough to identify its use, even in people about whom there was no prior information. Ancient remains can offer direct evidence to study health problems in the past, including diseases related to the consumption of said product.

Sarah Inskip, co-author, noted: The research reveals significant differences in the bones of those who used tobacco and those who did not. Thus we demonstrate that this product affects the structure of the bones. We seek to understand how these differences arise, with the aim of clarifying why tobacco consumption is a risk factor for certain musculoskeletal and dental disorders.

Although the detrimental effects of smoking on soft tissues and organs, such as increased risk of lung, bladder and throat cancer, as well as stroke and coronary heart disease, are well documented, the impact on bones has been less studied.