The Path to Zero: Historic Smoking Milestones

Over the years, many cultural and legislative changes have helped Americans quit smoking. As a result, the smoking rate dropped from 42% in 1965 to just 15% in 2015. Imagine if we made 0% happen in our lifetime.

As we mark our 20th anniversary, join us in celebrating the historic milestones that have supported so many in their quit and encourage millions more to try.

1940

Smoking was first linked to lung cancer in the late 1940s.

1952

Good Housekeeping refuses cigarette advertising for the first time. Your grandmother breathes easier.

1964

The Surgeon General releases a report linking smoking and lung cancer.

42.4%

of adults smoke

1965

Warning labels on cigarettes are now required by law.

1973

Arizona restricts smoking in public places. Arizonans breathe (a clean) sigh of relief.

1972

Science-based reports identify environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as a health risk to nonsmokers.

37.4%

of adults smoke

1970

Tobacco advertising is banned on radio and TV. Cigarette commercials go up in smoke.

1975

Minnesota enacts the Clean Indoor Air Act.

1984

The FDA approves prescription nicotine gum. It gives smokers hope. And minty-fresh breath.

1987

Congress prohibits smoking on domestic flights scheduled for two hours or less.

1990

The ban is extended to all U.S. flights. You can now fly the smoke-free skies.

1994

Mississippi is the first state to sue the tobacco industry for Medicaid costs.

25.0%

of adults smoke

1993

Hillary Clinton bans smoking in the white house. Bill is banished to the rose garden.

1992

Second-hand smoke is classified as a “Group A” carcinogen, the most dangerous class.

28.8%

of adults smoke

1996

Nicorette® Gum and NicoDerm® CQ® go over-the-counter.

24.7%

of adults smoke

1998

Tobacco companies are ordered to pay $10 billion annually to settle state lawsuits.

1999

All outdoor tobacco advertising is banned. Morning commuters say, "So long, cowboy!"

21.6%

of adults smoke

2003

NYC bans smoking in bars and restaurants. Cities across America follow suit.

2006

The Surgeon General releases a report stating the dangers of second hand smoke.

2016

Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ® celebrate 20 years of helping smokers quit. You can be one of them. Make today your quit day.

2015

Hawaii becomes the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21.

15.0%

of adults smoke

2014

CVS Health announces that it will stop selling cigarettes at it's more than 7,600 stores.