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Today in History: Surgeon General Warns: Tobacco Smoking is Hazardous

1/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released a pivotal report highlighting the health risks of tobacco smoking. The report linked smoking to serious conditions such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease. This groundbreaking finding spurred significant public health policies, including the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965.

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Story summary

On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released a pivotal report highlighting the health risks of tobacco smoking. The report linked smoking to serious conditions such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and heart disease. This groundbreaking finding spurred significant public health policies, including the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965.