Where lung cancer results from the combined and synergistic effects of asbestos exposure and smoking, the material contribution test applies because lung cancer is an indivisible disease. A smoker who takes up smoking when the health risks are well-known is contributorily negligent from the date of commencement of smoking, not merely from the date of medical advice to cease. Where both the employer's failure to warn of the multiplicative risk and the plaintiff's smoking are serious departures from reasonable care, a 50% apportionment for contributory negligence may be appropriate. Compliance with regulatory exposure standards does not of itself constitute reasonable care where the employer knows the worker is a smoker.
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