Exploring the impact of tobacco consumption on the respiratory health of two Dutch skeletal populations (1300–1829 CE)

This study explored the influence of tobacco consumption on the respiratory health of two historical Dutch populations (1300–1829 CE). We conducted a macroscopic examination of 235 skeletons for which tobacco consumption status was known, focusing on the presence of sinusitis, ear infection, and pulmonary inflammation. Our goal was to investigate the correlation between respiratory diseases and tobacco consumption. Despite all conditions being prevalent in the total sample (sinusitis: 50.2%, ear infection: 23.2%, pulmonary inflammation: 14.1%), almost no significant correlation was found between disease and tobacco consumption. Our findings suggest that additional factors, such as exposure to second-hand smoke and unsanitary living/working environments, may have also impacted respiratory health. However, our interpretations are difficult to confirm due to the limitations of macroscopic analysis in determining tobacco consumption status. Future research should consider employing biomolecular techniques and expand beyond respiratory diseases to enhance our understanding of historical health implications of tobacco use.