Are certain diseases presumed to be work related?
You may receive benefits for diseases caused, aggravated, or accelerated by work activities. Additionally, there is a presumption that certain diseases are work related. These include: • Tuberculosis and hepatitis for nurses, blood processors, and related professions that which involve exposure to these diseases. • Diseases of the heart and lungs for firefighters who have four or more years of service. • Pneumoconiosis and silicosis for any occupation that involves direct contact with or exposure to coal dust. • Specific types of chemical poisoning (such as lead, mercury, phosphorus, and arsenic) for occupations involving direct contact or exposure to those chemicals, or to their preparations or compounds. The Act also has a catchall provision that entitles you to a presumption that your condition is work related if you can demonstrate the following: • you have been exposed to the disease by reason of your employment; • the disease is causally related to your industry or occupation; an
