A recent study has opened up a groundbreaking approach to understanding the impact of tobacco on human health over the centuries.
Scientists have discovered that tobacco consumption not only leads to respiratory diseases and cancers as previously known, but also leaves a distinct mark on bone structure. By analyzing remains from the 12th to the 19th centuries, archaeologists found molecular changes in bones associated with tobacco use. This creates a completely new tool to identify tobacco users in the past, even in the absence of direct evidence from oral health.
Breakthrough Findings on Tobacco’s Impact on Human Bones
This research is part of the “Tobacco, Health & History” project led by Dr. Sarah Inskip, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Leicester. The team focused on understanding molecular changes in the cortical bone—the dense outer layer of bone in the body. This part is responsible for providing strength and protection to the bone structure, where traces of tobacco may persist for centuries after the user has passed away.
Analysis of 323 sets of remains from two different areas allowed the research team to gather detailed data on the effects of tobacco. These remains came from the St. James’s Garden cemetery in London and a rural churchyard cemetery in Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire. The remains from London date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, a time when tobacco became widely popular across Europe. Meanwhile, the remains in Barton-upon-Humber span from the 12th to the 19th century, covering the period before and after tobacco was introduced to Western Europe.
Tobacco leaves a distinct mark on bone structure.
Research Methodology and Key Findings
To identify differences in bone structure, the research team employed advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy. The results showed significant metabolic changes in the bones of tobacco users compared to non-users. These alterations can still be detected even after centuries, thanks to the enduring effects tobacco leaves on the molecular structure of bones.
Dr. Sarah Inskip stated: “Our research shows significant differences in the molecular characteristics of the bones of past tobacco users. This indicates that we can observe the impact of tobacco not only on the respiratory system but also on the human skeletal structure.”
Previous studies on tobacco primarily focused on respiratory and cancer-related diseases. However, this is the first time scientists have been able to demonstrate that tobacco also causes changes in human bones. These findings expand the understanding of the long-term effects of tobacco use on overall health while providing a new method for classifying remains in archaeological studies.
We can observe the impact of tobacco through human bone structure.
Significant Impact on Archaeological Research
One of the most important implications of this study is the ability to identify tobacco users even in the absence of dental evidence, such as tooth wear or discoloration, which are common signs among smokers. This allows archaeologists to broaden their research scope and provide more insights into how tobacco affected populations in the past.
For instance, the study could help scientists learn more about the rates of musculoskeletal and dental diseases caused by tobacco in historical societies. Previously, without oral evidence, archaeologists faced challenges in determining whether an individual used tobacco. However, with these new findings, scientists can obtain more accurate data on tobacco’s effects over centuries.
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