Smoking leaves a trace in the bones for centuries after death.
Smoking cigarettes has a long-term impact on bones
Archaeologists at the University of Leicester have analysed human remains buried in Britain between the 12th and 19th centuries and their findings starkly illustrate the long-lasting impact that tobacco has on bones.
The researchers concluded that the introduction of tobacco in western Europe around 500 years ago caused "changes in human bone" after comparing remains from both before and after the 16th century.
Study author Dr. Sarah Inskip said: "Our research shows that there are significant differences in the molecular features contained in (the) bone of past tobacco users and non-users. This potentially shows that we can see the impact that tobacco has on the structure of our skeletons.
"Our ongoing research aims to ascertain how these difference emerge as this may have significance for understanding why tobacco use is a risk factor for some musculosketal and dental disorders."