754 LAWS OP MARYLAND [CH. 290

last so exposed under such employer; and the notice of
injury and claim for compensation, as hereinafter required,
shall be given and made to such employer; provided, how-
ever, that in case of silicosis or asbestosis the only em-
ployer or insurance carrier liable shall be the last employer
in whose employment the employee was last injuriously
exposed to the hazards of the disease during a period of
sixty (60) days or more after the effective date of this
sub-title, and the insurance carrier, if any, on the risk
when the employee was last so exposed under such em-
ployer.

(c) An employer shall not be liable for any compensa-
tion for an occupational disease unless such disease, except
in case of silicosis, asbestosis or other PULMONARY dust
disease, shall be due to the nature of an employment in
which the hazards of such disease actually exists, are char-
acteristic of and peculiar to the trade, occupation, process,
or employment, and is actually incurred in his employment
and unless disablement or death results within three (3)
years ONE (1) YEAR [in case of silicosis or asbestosis, or
one (1) year in case of any other occupational disease, ]
after the last injurious exposure to such disease in such
employment, or, in case of death, unless death follows con-
tinuous disability from such disease, commencing within
the period above limited, for which compensation has been
paid or awarded or claim made as provided in this Article,
and results within seven (7) years after such last exposure.

(d) When disability or death of an employee shall be
due to silicosis, asbestosis or other PULMONARY dust
disease, the employer shall be liable for compensation if
such disease causing such disability or death shall be due
to the nature of the employment in which the hazards of
such disease actually exist, are characteristic of and pecu-
liar to the trade, occupation, process, or employment, and is
actually in- curred in his employment regardless of when

such disability or death may occur after the employee has

been found to be affected by silicosis, asbestosis or other
dust disease. CURRED IN HIS EMPLOYMENT, PRO-
VIDED SUCH DISABILITY OR DEATH SHALL OCCUR
WITHIN FIVE (5) YEARS AFTER THE EMPLOYEE
SHALL BE FOUND TO BE AFFECTED BY SILICOSIS,
ASBESTOSIS, OR OTHER PULMONARY DUST DIS-
EASE.

24. (a) In the absence of conclusive evidence in favor
of the claim, disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis
shall be presumed in fact not to be due to the nature of
any occupation within the provisions of [Section 21 of]