In 1964, the U.S Surgeon General released a groundbreaking report concluding that smoking causes lung cancer and other serious health issues, marking a pivotal moment in public health.

The report, titled Smoking and Health, was the result of an extensive review of scientific research by an advisory committee led by Surgeon General Luther Terry. It confirmed, for the first time in an official capacity, the casual relationship between cigarette smoking and diseases such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

This announcement had far–reaching consequences, sparking public awareness campaigns, leading to warning labels on cigarette packages, and laying the foundation for future tobacco control legislation. The report was a key turning point in the fight against tobacco, contributing to a significant shift in attitude toward smoking and public health policy in the United States.

Ahead of that official government stance, the previous US Surgeon General in 1957 announced that evidence pointed to a causal relationship between smoking and lung diseases. Dr. Leroy Burney, born and raised in Burney, Indiana, also championed environmental health and controls on pollution. As Surgeon General in 1960, he approved the use of the Sabin oral vaccine for polio.