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In the May 27, 1950 issue of JAMA, Morton Levin publishes first major study definitively linking smoking to lung cancer.
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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.
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In 1952 P. Lorillard markets its Kent brand with the "micronite" filter, which contained asbestos! This was fortunately discontinued in 1956.
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In 1953, Dr. Ernst L. Wynders finds that putting cigarette tar on the backs of mice causes tumors!
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Cigarette companies sponsor ad disputing evidence that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer.
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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.
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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
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Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965
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In September 1965, the Public Health Service established a small unit called the National Clearinghouse for Smoking and Health.
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In 1965, television cigarette ads are taken off the air in Great Britain.
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Health warnings on cigarette packs begin.
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First report concerning the adverse effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on children's health is published.
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"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.
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In 1968, Bravo, a non-tobacco cigarette brand was marketed. Made primarily of lettuce, it failed miserably!
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Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969
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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.
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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!
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In 1977, the first national Great American Smokeout takes place.
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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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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!
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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.
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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.
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Lung cancer became the #1 killer of women, beating out breast cancer!
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In 1987, Congress bands smoking on all domestic flights lasting less than 2 hours.
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In 1990, Smoking is banned on all domestic flights, except to Alaska and Hawaii.
