January 11, 1964 – U.S. Surgeon General Declared Cigarettes Potentially Hazardous to Health
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January 10

Copy of Surgeon Generals Warning on Cigarette Package

On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released a groundbreaking report titled “Smoking and Health: Report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service.” This monumental document, the result of an extensive review of over 7,000 scientific articles, conclusively linked cigarette smoking to significant health issues, including lung cancer and heart disease. This marked a pivotal moment in public health awareness, underscoring the gravity of the smoking epidemic. 

The report was the culmination of an extensive review of over 7,000 scientific articles examining the relationship between smoking and health. The Advisory Committee found that smoking cigarettes:

  • Can cause lung cancer and laryngeal cancer in men.
  • Is a probable cause of lung cancer in women.
  • The most important cause of chronic bronchitis.

These findings undoubtedly found that smoking constituted a significant health hazard warranting remedial action and profoundly affected public perception. It was among the top news stories of 1964, leading to a substantial decline in cigarette consumption. Per capita consumption dropped by 18% from the previous year, indicating a swift change in smoking behaviors among Americans. 

Long-Term Consequences:

The 1964 report set in motion a series of public health initiatives and policies aimed at reducing tobacco use:

  • 1965: The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act required health warnings on cigarette packages, stating, “Caution: Cigarette Smoking May Be Hazardous to Your Health.” 
  • 1969: The Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act banned cigarette advertising on television and radio, further curbing the tobacco industry’s influence. 
  • 1973: Arizona became the first state to enact laws designating separate smoking areas in public places, paving the way for broader smoke-free policies. 

The 1964 Surgeon General’s report had a lasting impact on public health awareness. It transformed smoking from a socially accepted habit into a recognized public health threat. The report’s findings spurred ongoing research, education, and policy efforts that have led to significant declines in smoking rates and saved countless lives over the past six decades.