UK’s new research uncovers lasting impact of tobacco on human bones

In an article recently published by Independent, a recent study by researchers at the UK’s University of Leicester has unveiled a groundbreaking connection between tobacco use and its long-lasting effects on human bones, revealing that the impacts persist not only throughout an individual’s life but also for centuries after their death.

A team from the University of Leicester examined human remains buried in Britain from the 12th to the 19th centuries, uncovering the significant effects of tobacco on bones and its association with conditions like increased fracture risk. The study reveals how the introduction of tobacco to Western Europe approximately 500 years ago led to notable changes in human skeletal structure.

Traditionally, archaeologists identified smokers by examining dental evidence for stains or wear from pipe use, a method that often fell short when teeth were missing or damaged. The University of Leicester researchers analyzed 323 cortical bones—the strong, dense outer layer—of both confirmed tobacco users and those with uncertain smoking histories. Utilizing mass spectroscopy, they identified 45 distinct molecular features that set the bones of smokers apart from non-smokers. 

The findings, published in Science Advances, state: “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.” 

Dr. Sarah Inskip, a co-author of the study, stated: “Our research reveals significant differences in the molecular characteristics of bones from former tobacco users compared to non-users. This suggests that tobacco use affects the structure of our skeletons. Our ongoing research seeks to understand how these differences develop, which could help explain why tobacco use is linked to certain musculoskeletal and dental disorders.” 

While the harmful effects of smoking on soft tissues and organs—such as the increased risks of lung, bladder, and throat cancers, along with stroke and coronary artery disease—are well established, the impact on bones has received less attention.

Smoking has been connected to bone-related issues, including low bone density, higher fracture risk, and periodontitis. This research not only highlights the historical prevalence of smoking but also emphasizes the far-reaching and lasting effects of tobacco on human health, providing valuable insights into the skeletal repercussions of this common habit.

By Naila Huseynova