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Study published linking smoking to lung cancer
In the May 27, 1950 issue of JAMA, Morton Levin publishes first major study definitively linking smoking to lung cancer. -
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Timespan
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Evidence Continues to Surface for Lung Cancer
During the 1950's, more and more evidence was surfacing that smoking was linked to lung cancer. Although the tobacco industry denied such health hazards, they promoted new products which were "safer", such as those with lower tar and filtered cigarettes. -
"Micronite" Brand Containging Asbestos
In 1952 P. Lorillard markets its Kent brand with the "micronite" filter, which contained asbestos! This was fortunately discontinued in 1956. -
Scientific Study on Cigarette Tar
In 1953, Dr. Ernst L. Wynders finds that putting cigarette tar on the backs of mice causes tumors! -
Cigarette companies argue against lung cancer claims
Cigarette companies sponsor ad disputing evidence that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. -
FDA disputes FHSA
FDA expressed its interpretation that tobacco did not fit the "hazardous" criteria stated of the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act (FHSA) of 1960, and withheld recommendations pending the release of the report of the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health. -
First report from Surgeon General
Tobacco Industry's Campaign to Hide the Hazards of SmokingLuther L. Terry, M.D., Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service, released the first report of the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health -
Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act
Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965 -
National Clearinghouse for Smoking and Health
In September 1965, the Public Health Service established a small unit called the National Clearinghouse for Smoking and Health. -
Cigarette Ads Removed from TV
In 1965, television cigarette ads are taken off the air in Great Britain. -
Health warnings begin
Health warnings on cigarette packs begin. -
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Reported
First report concerning the adverse effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on children's health is published. -
Propaganda
"It Is Safe To Smoke" by Lloyd Mallan is taken off the market by Hawthorne publishing after the initiation of a congressional investigation into allegations the book was financed by the tobacco industry. -
'Bravo' Markets Non-Tobacco Cigarette Brand
In 1968, Bravo, a non-tobacco cigarette brand was marketed. Made primarily of lettuce, it failed miserably! -
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969 -
Major Tobacco Companies Diversify Products
Because of the negative press about tobacco, the major tobacco companies begin to diversify their products. Phillip Morris begins to buy into the Miller Brewing Company, makers of Miller Beer, Miller Lite, and Red Dog Beer. RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company drops the "Tobacco Company" in its name, and becomes RJ Reynolds Industries. It also begins to buy into other products, such as aluminum. American Tobacco Company also drops "Tobacco" from its name, becoming American Brands, Inc. -
Television Ads Removed Off Air
In 1971, television ads for cigarettes are finally taken off the air in the U.S. Cigarettes, however, are still the most heavily advertised product second to automobiles! -
Great American Smokeout
In 1977, the first national Great American Smokeout takes place. -
Surgeon General: Health Consequences of Smoking for Women
In 1979, the Surgeon General reports on the Health Consequences of Smoking for Women. This is in light to the increasing number of women who are taking up the bad habit. Some attribute it to the slick ad campaign of the Virginia Slims brand, "You've Come a Long Way Baby!" -
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Competition for No.1 Brand
During the 80's and 90's, the tobacco industry starts marketing heavily in areas outside the U.S., especially developing countries in Asia. Marlboro is considered the word's No. 1 most valuable brand of any product with a value over $30 billion! Over this period, there is a battle between Coca Cola and Marlboro as the No. 1 brand in the world! -
Lawsuits Against Tobacco Industry Increase
During the 1980's there were many lawsuits filed against the tobacco industry because of the harmful effects of its products. Smoking becomes politically incorrect, with more public places forbidding smoking. -
Surgeon General: Dangers of Second-Hand Smoke
In 1982, the Surgeon General reports that second-hand smoke may cause lung cancer. Smoking in public areas are soon restricted, especially at the workplace. -
Lung Cancer #1 Killer of Women
Lung cancer became the #1 killer of women, beating out breast cancer! -
Smoking Banned on Domestic Flights
In 1987, Congress bands smoking on all domestic flights lasting less than 2 hours. -
Smoking on Flights
In 1990, Smoking is banned on all domestic flights, except to Alaska and Hawaii.
