On November 1st, the 9th edition of the collective challenge month without tobacco will begin, challenging smokers to quit smoking for 30 days. The initiative, launched by Public Health France, the Ministry of Health and Access to Care and Health Insurance, affirms thatquitting smoking for 30 days would increase the chances of quitting smoking permanently by 5. Although the harmful consequences of smoking on health are numerous and known to the public, a new effect has just been discovered, and will perhaps encourage you to join the initiative if you are a smoker.
Archaeologists from the University of Leicester in England recently published a study showing that smoking leaves deep marks in human bones, visible not only during life, but also centuries after death. Traditionally, archaeologists identify smokers by analyzing their teeth, explains the British media L’Independent. This method is not very effective when teeth are missing or poorly preserved. The researchers then decided to study the bones: by analyzing the remains of human skeletons dating from before the introduction of tobacco in Western Europe, the researchers identified bone changes, as indicated in the press release from the ‘study.
Traces of smoking found in bones: a major lasting imprint of this addiction
Researchers from the University of Leicester examined 323 cortical bones (the dense outer layer of bones, which makes up around 80% of bone mass) from human remains dated between the 12th and 19th centuries. This sample included smokers and non-smokers in order to compare them and thus better understand the historical impact of tobacco consumption on human health. The individuals came from cemeteries in London and Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire. The results are surprising: 45 specific molecular characteristics were identified, making it possible to clearly distinguish the bones of tobacco users.
What can we learn from this study?
Tobacco use leaves a distinct metabolic mark in the bones, clear enough to allow scientists to determine whether an individual smoked, even after several centuries. This type of research could not only enrich studies on ancient populations, but also provide a better understanding of how tobacco affects our bodies in the long term. In the university’s statement, study co-author Dr. Sarah Inskip said: “Our ongoing research aims to determine how these differences arise, which could help to understand why smoking is a risk factor for certain musculoskeletal and dental disorders.”
A new perspective for prevention?
THE harmful effects of smoking on organs, such as the lungs or the heart, are well known. However, this new study highlights less explored consequences: the impact of tobacco on bones. Indeed, we already know that smoking is associated with low bone density and an increased risk of fractures, as indicated by Santé Respiratoire France. These new findings are a reminder that tobacco not only damages vital organs, but also affects the structure of our skeleton, sometimes for generations.
Sources :
- Archaeologists discover ‘significant’ permanent side-effect of smoking – The Independent – 21 octobre 2024
- Archaeometabolomics characterizes phenotypic differences in human cortical bone at a molecular level relating to tobacco use – ScienceAdvances – 4 octobre 2024
- Archaeologists identify changes to human bone following introduction of tobacco in Western Europe – University of Leicester – 14 octobre 2024
- Tobacco-free month: registrations are open – Health Insurance website Ameli.fr – October 8, 2024
- Without tobacco, stronger bones – Santé Respiratoire France – October 29, 2021
