By examining human remains buried in Britain between the 12th and 19th centuries, researchers have uncovered the significant influence of tobacco on skeletal structure and its connection to various bone-related ailments, including an elevated risk of fractures.
This study illuminates the profound changes brought about by the introduction of tobacco to Western Europe approximately 500 years ago.
Previously, archaeologists primarily utilized dental evidence to determine smoking habits, searching for characteristic stains or wear from pipe use. However, such methods frequently fell short in cases where teeth were missing.
The Leicester team examined the dense outer layer of 323 bones, differentiating between known smokers and individuals with uncertain smoking histories. Using mass spectroscopy, they identified 45 distinct molecular features that marked smokers’ bones.
Published in *Science Advances*, the study states: “Tobacco consumption creates a unique metabolic record in human bones, allowing identification even in those of unknown smoking histories.” This research not only enhances our understanding of historical smoking prevalence but also underlines tobacco’s long-lasting impacts on human health, revealing valuable insights into its skeletal consequences.
