The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Opponents of a law that would make it more difficult for Ohioans exposed to asbestos but not showing signs of illness to sue for damages have abandoned a ballot challenge and have taken their case to court.

The Committee to Protect Ohioans, a group of lawyers who represent up to 40,000 people with pending asbestos cases, sued in the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals in Cleveland on Wednesday, saying the law is unconstitutional because it's retroactive.

The law will affect thousands of cases now pending in Ohio courts filed by people exposed to the flaky substance widely used in building material during the 1950s and 1960s. Asbestos can cause cancer.