Widow's Pension Was Rejected because the Man Smoked

Reading time 3 minutesThe decision of the State Social Court of Hesse shows the scope of personal life habits in the recognition of an occupational disease. Although the deceased welder was undoubtedly exposed to high pollution during his work – for example due to chromium, nickel and asbestos – his decades of smoking habits ultimately led to his lung cancer not being recognized as a occupational disease. The courts stated that his consumption o…