Nicotine: Between Addiction and Science

"Nicotine: Between Addiction and Science" explores the history, chemistry, biology, and public health implications of one of humanity's most influential molecules. From its origins in Native American cultures and its presence in tobacco plants to its interaction with the human brain, the book analyzes the mechanisms that explain its ability to cause dependence and its impact on public health. It also addresses the evolution of products containing nicotine, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco systems, as well as their implications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Furthermore, it examines nicotine as an environmental contaminant, its presence in air, water, and surfaces, and the modern analytical tools used for its detection and biomonitoring. A rigorous yet accessible work that integrates science, health, and the environment to understand a molecule that continues to shape contemporary society.