Occupational Claimants and Environmental Claimants shall only be entitled to compensation for asbestos related diseases (ARD's), where the ARD has caused lung function impairment.

The following ARD's are compensated:

Cancers:

These are Mesothelioma (ARD 4) and Asbestos related lung cancer (ARD 3).

Pneumoconioses:

These are asbestosis and/or asbestos related pleural thickening. They are termed ARD 1 or ARD 2, depending on the degree of lung function impairment that the ARD has caused.

ARD 1 is where there is mild or moderate lung function impairment, and
ARD 2 where there is severe lung function impairment caused by the ARD.

Explaining Proof of disease:

In relation to asbestosis and pleural thickening, the Trustees will in the majority of cases require:

1. a history of asbestos dust exposure;
2. a good quality postero-anterior X-ray film, graded and classified according to the standard long form ILO classification system;
3. the results of lung function tests, upon which an assessment is made as to the impairment/disability associated with the ARD;
4. the results or the records of a clinical examination.

In relation to mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer, the following is additionally required:

5. a pathological report of a biopsy or cytology.

Such medical evidence shall be submitted to and considered by doctors appointed by the Trustees for the purpose of diagnosis or confirmation of diagnosis.

In cases where more information is needed to establish the diagnosis or degree of impairment, the Trustees may require claimants to undergo further appropriate examinations.