History
This plant, originally grown in the Americas, is the main source of nicotine.
What is tobacco?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of this deadly disease affecting the lungs.
What is lung cancer?
Nicotine is classified as this type of drug because it increases alertness and activity in the brain.
What is a stimulant?
This continent is where tobacco originally spread before becoming global.
What is North America?
Nicotine raises this vital sign by stimulating the cardiovascular system.
What is heart rate (or blood pressure)?
Nicotine triggers the release of this “feel-good” neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure.
What is dopamine?
In the 1800s, cigarette production increased dramatically because of this new invention that mass-produced cigarettes.
What is the cigarette rolling machine?
Secondhand smoke exposure can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses especially in this vulnerable group.
Who are children?
This brain system is strongly affected by nicotine and is responsible for feelings of reward and reinforcement.
What is the brain’s reward system?
In the early 20th century, cigarette companies began targeting this group heavily through marketing campaigns.
Who are women?
Smoking is a major risk factor for this cardiovascular emergency caused by blocked blood flow to the heart.
What is a heart attack?
Nicotine addiction develops partly because the brain builds this, meaning more nicotine is needed for the same effect.
What is tolerance?
German chemists first isolated nicotine as a chemical compound in this century.
What is the 19th century?
Smoking damages tiny air sacs in the lungs, contributing to this chronic disease.
What is emphysema?
When someone stops using nicotine and experiences irritability, cravings, or headaches, they are experiencing this.
What are withdrawal symptoms?