[Socio-legal evaluation of UV-induced skin tumors]

The present work deals with insurance and legal issues on the prevention of UV-induced skin tumors. We are convinced that squamous cell carcinoma of the skin fulfils the socio-legally required conditions according to paragraph 9 Abs. 2 SGB VII for approval as an occupational disease. In malignant melanoma evidence also exists for its induction through UV exposure and increased risk for occupational UV exposure, thus, making approval as an occupational disease possible in individual cases. According to the currently available medical knowledge on basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, there is no sufficient basis for the approval of these as occupational disorders. Therefore, significant actions should not only be taken in the context of primary disease prevention, but also within the framework of secondary and tertiary disease prevention in occupational UV exposure.