Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Asbestos fibers, which cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, can remain in the lungs for long periods before causing mesothelioma, a deadly cancer. Asbestos is a durable fireproof substance used in many heavy industries such as construction, shipbuilding and auto manufacturing. In 2004, the Ohio Supreme Court passed a law making it more difficult to seek damages for asbestos-related illnesses that were already in the works before the ruling. Now, after a 6-1 Court ruling, many of these cases are likely to be dismissed. The Ohio Court's Justice Robert Cupp said changes in the Ohio law were remedial and procedural and therefore put holds on the claims of thousands of Ohioan who were not yet showing symptoms of asbestos related cancers. Cupp also said asbestos lawsuits appeared in such volume after workers at potentially hazardous worksites around the country were offered "mass screenings" in search of potential health problems not yet detected.