The U.S. Surgeon General's office issued its first report on the harmful effects of smoking 60 years ago Thursday: Jan. 11, 1964. Since then, Americans have been lighting up less frequently.
The Decline Of Smoking
June 6, 1960
The American Heart Association announces coronary death rates are 50 to 150 percent higher among heavy smokers than among nonsmokers.
Jan. 11, 1964
A report published by the U.S. Surgeon General recognizes a link between smoking and lung cancer.
1966
The first federally mandated health warnings appear on cigarette packages.
1971
The federal government bans broadcast advertising for cigarettes.
1975
The nation's first state law requiring separate smoking areas in public places goes into effect in Minnesota.
1977
The American Cancer Society holds its first Great American Smokeout.
1982
Congress doubles the excise tax on cigarettes to 16 cents per pack.
1991
The federal cigarette tax is increased to 20 cents. The FDA approves the use of nicotine patches.
1992
The federal government begins denying funding to states that allow tobacco sales to minors.
1994
Seven tobacco company executives testify before a congressional committee that they do not believe nicotine is addictive.
1995
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration takes jurisdiction over tobacco products by declaring nicotine a drug and cigarettes a "drug delivery device."
1998
Forty-six states approve a $206 billion settlement with cigarette manufacturers to help reimburse tobacco-related health care costs. The next year, the U.S. Department of Justice accuses cigarette makers of deceit and sues the tobacco industry to recover costs of treating sick smokers.
2002
Delaware becomes the first state to pass a law requiring all workplaces, restaurants, bars and public places to be smoke-free.
2006
A federal judge sides with government prosecutors in a civil racketeering suit against the cigarette industry, saying the industry conspired for decades to deceive the public about the dangers of smoking and must now help pay to help smokers kick the habit.
2009
President Barack Obama signs legislation granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration more regulatory authority over tobacco products.
2016
FDA regulatory oversight is expanded to e-cigarettes.
Activism
Notable days for anti-tobacco activites:
May 31
World No Tobacco Day - World Health Organization
Oct. 14
2024 Kick Butts Day / Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Oct. 23-31
Red Ribbon Week - National Family Partnership
Nov. 21
Great American Smokeout - American Cancer Society
Facts About Smoking
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 28.3 million people in the U.S. smoke cigarettes. That's 11.5 percent of all adults.
More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., accounting for more than 480,000 deaths per year. That's nearly one in five, or 1,300 deaths every day.
41,000 of those deaths result from secondhand smoke.
On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.
Smoking causes nine out of 10 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
Sources:
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gallup, American Medical Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, PBS, CBS News
This edition of Further Review was adapted for the web by Zak Curley.