Surgeon generals’ reports on smoking and health in 1964 and 1969 prompted Congress to mandate health warnings on all cigarette packages. In 1965, Congress required cigarette labels to state: "Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health." In this bill, Congress—for the first time—required manufacturers to cite the surgeon general’s warning.
Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined That Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health and May Cause Lung Cancer or Other Diseases.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
H.R. 6543, A bill to extend public health protection with respect to cigarette smoking, June 19, 1969
Promoting Public Health
Today's Public Health Service traces its origins to 1798, when Congress established the U. S. Marine Hospital Service. Throughout the years, Congress has expanded its responsibilities to include safeguarding the health of all U.S. citizens. Heading the Public Health Service is the surgeon general. Appointed by the president with the consent of the Senate, the surgeon general educates and informs the public on a variety of health issues such as diet, smoking and disease.
Surgeon generals’ reports on smoking and health in 1964 and 1969 prompted Congress to mandate health warnings on all cigarette packages. In 1965, Congress required cigarette labels to state: "Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health." In this bill, Congress—for the first time—required manufacturers to cite the surgeon general’s warning.
Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined That Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health and May Cause Lung Cancer or Other Diseases.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
