BACKGROUND: French public health policies aimed at reducing smoking were reinforced in France between 1999 and 2004 to decrease tobacco consumption. The consequences of these policies are of particular interest to teachers who play a role model for young people. Depression and alcohol problems were particularly studied as they may influence smoking behaviour. METHODS: Two large cross-sectional health surveys conducted in 1999 (N = 2931) and 2005 (N = 3702) included teachers, aged 20-59 years. Smoking status, socio-demographic characteristics, history of depressive episode in the previous year and problems with alcohol were collected using self-administered postal questionnaires. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2005, the prevalence of smoking decreased significantly from 25.7 to 18.2% for men (P < 0.001), from 20.0 to 16.5% (P < 0.001) for women; and the proportion of never-smokers increased. In smokers, the number of cigarettes consumed per day decreased significantly. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant decrease of the risk of being a smoker in 2005 compared with 1999 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.68 for men; OR = 0.78 for women]. Risk factors of smoking were: men aged 20-34 years (OR = 1.81), CAGE score > or =2, (OR = 1.95 for men, 2.12 for women) history of a major depressive episode in the previous 12 months (OR = 1.46 for men, 1.44 for women). CONCLUSION: Anti-smoking policies resulted in a decrease of teachers' tobacco consumption between 1999 and 2005. However, people with more difficulties in quitting smoking, in particular people with depressive episodes or problems with alcohol, might benefit from comprehensive programmes, including training of health professionals.