When the negative health effects of tobacco use were first made public, the medical community pressed the government to respond. Through the last half of the twentieth century, the U.S. and state governments have increased regulations and taxes on tobacco products, regulated advertising, and sued tobacco companies for the medical costs that have resulted from smoking-related illnesses. The result has been a dramatic change in tobacco use in the United States.

The "Healthful" Cigarettes of the 1950s

Although scientists have published studies through the years showing the negative health effects of tobacco use, most of these have been ignored or downplayed by the media and the tobacco industry. Often the tobacco companies responded by publishing their own information touting the health benefits of tobacco use.

Or they would propose other theories, including some that stated...