A. As used in this act, unless the context otherwise requires:

B. In the absence of a preponderance of the evidence in favor of the claim, disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis shall be presumed not to be due to the nature of any occupation within the provision of this section unless during the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of disablement the employee has been exposed to the inhalation of silica dust or asbestos dust over a period of not less than five (5) years, two (2) years of which shall have been in this state, under a contract of employment performed in this state. However, if the employee has been employed by the same employer during the entire five-year period, his or her right to compensation against the employer shall not be affected by the fact that he or she had been employed during any part of the period outside of this state.

C. Except as otherwise provided in this section, compensation for disability from uncomplicated silicosis or asbestosis shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of Sections 45 and 48 of this title.