Visible Even After Death: How Tobacco Consumption Alters Bone Structure

Smoking's harmful effects go far beyond the lungs and extend beyond a person's lifetime.

Recent research from the University of Leicester reveals that tobacco use leaves detectable traces in human bones, even centuries after death. This surprising discovery sheds new light on the long-term impact of smoking on the human body.

A study of skeletal remains in Great Britain, spanning from the 12th to the 19th centuries, found that tobacco smoke causes permanent changes to bone structure and increases the risk of fractures. This suggests that the damage caused by smoking isn't just limited to organs but also has a lasting impact on our skeletons.

Centuries of Change in Bones

Tobacco was introduced to Europe around 500 years ago, and researchers have now found evidence that smoking has caused measurable changes in human bones ever since. Before this discovery, scientists could only infer tobacco use from dental damage or pipe-related staining on teeth. Still, these methods were often unreliable, especially if teeth were missing or damaged.

The University of Leicester's research team analyzed 323 bone samples, including those from confirmed smokers and people with unknown smoking habits. Using mass spectrometry—a technique that identifies the chemical composition of samples—they identified 45 specific markers in the bones of smokers that clearly set them apart from non-smokers. This groundbreaking discovery means scientists can now tell whether someone smoked solely based on their bone structure.

How Does Smoking Impact the Skeleton?

The study's findings show that bones, often used by archaeologists to uncover historical data, also carry important information about diseases and health risks related to tobacco use. Co-author Dr. Sarah Inskip explained that smoking not only leaves a molecular imprint but also increases the risk of bone-related diseases. This adds to what we already know about smoking's harmful effects on other parts of the body.

"Our research shows significant differences in the molecular features of bones from past tobacco users and non-users. This finding indicates that tobacco use impacts the structure of our skeletons." Dr. Inskip said.

While the harmful effects of smoking on organs like the lungs, throat, and bladder are well-known, its impact on bones has received less attention. Smoking is linked to reduced bone density, higher chances of fractures, and dental issues like gum disease. This study now provides even more evidence that tobacco harms not only soft tissues but also the bones themselves.