Exposure to certain chemicals, including aldehydes, a class of organic compounds commonly found in alcohol, pollution, and smoke, can lead to premature aging, according to a new study.

“We have revealed part of the cause of genetic premature aging,” Tomoo Ogi, a professor of genetics at Nagoya University, said in a press release.

Aldehydes Disrupt Enzyme Function

Previous research has already established that several types of aldehydes are detrimental to human health.