Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day

Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day is an annual observance that marks the anniversary of the 1964 release of a landmark report outlining the detrimental health effects of smoking. This day serves as a reminder of the dangers of tobacco use and promotes awareness about the importance of quitting smoking.

Quick Facts

When is it?: January 11
Tagged as: Health Awareness
What’s the hashtag?: #CigarettesAreHazardous
When was it founded?: 1964
Who founded it?: U.S. Surgeon General

History of Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day

On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released a groundbreaking report that conclusively linked cigarette smoking to lung cancer and other health issues. This report was based on a comprehensive review of over 7,000 scientific articles and marked a turning point in public health awareness regarding the dangers of smoking.

Timeline

1962: Surgeon General Terry assembles an advisory committee to review scientific evidence on smoking.
1964: The landmark report is released, sparking nationwide discussions on tobacco use.
1965-1970: Significant increase in public awareness about smoking risks.
1970s-present: Ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates and promote tobacco control policies.

Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	January 11	Saturday
2026	January 11	Sunday
2027	January 11	Monday
2028	January 11	Tuesday
2029	January 11	Thursday
2030	January 11	Friday

Observed Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day

This day is observed by health organizations, schools, and communities worldwide to educate people about the risks of smoking. Activities often include awareness campaigns, quit-smoking programs, and educational events highlighting the health consequences of tobacco use.

Many healthcare providers use this day to encourage patients to quit smoking and offer resources for smoking cessation. Public health departments may organize events to promote smoke-free environments and support for those trying to quit.

Social media campaigns and hashtag movements are also common, spreading information about the dangers of smoking and inspiring people to share their quit stories or reasons for staying smoke-free.

Fun Facts About Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day

The 1964 report was 387 pages long and took over 14 months to complete.
Cigarette sales in the U.S. dropped significantly in the years following the report’s release.
The report’s findings led to the first cigarette warning labels in 1965.
Smoking rates among U.S. adults have dropped from 42% in 1965 to less than 15% today.
The report has been cited in over 70,000 scientific papers since its publication.

Quiz

In what year was the landmark Surgeon General’s report on smoking released?
What percentage of lung cancer cases is smoking responsible for?
How many chemicals does cigarette smoke contain?
What substance in cigarettes makes smoking addictive?
What is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States?

(Answers: 1. 1964, 2. About 90%, 3. Over 7,000, 4. Nicotine, 5. Smoking)

FAQs

What are the main health risks of smoking?
Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, COPD, heart disease, stroke, and many other serious health conditions.

How quickly can quitting smoking improve health?
Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate drops. Within a few months, lung function improves, and within a year, your risk of heart disease is cut in half.

Are e-cigarettes a safe alternative to smoking?
No, e-cigarettes still contain harmful chemicals and nicotine, which is highly addictive.

Can occasional smoking be harmful?
Yes, even light or occasional smoking can significantly increase your risk of health problems.

How can I support someone trying to quit smoking?
Offer encouragement, help them find resources, and create a smoke-free environment to support their efforts.

Importance of Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day

This day plays a crucial role in continuing the fight against tobacco use, which remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the progress made since the 1964 report and the work that still needs to be done to reduce smoking rates.

The observance helps to educate new generations about the dangers of smoking, countering tobacco industry marketing efforts. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the latest research on smoking’s health effects and promote evidence-based cessation methods.

By focusing attention on this issue annually, the day contributes to ongoing efforts to implement stronger tobacco control policies, increase funding for smoking prevention programs, and ultimately save lives by reducing tobacco use.