In attempts to ward off a potential asbestos-like crisis, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft signed into law a bill making it more difficult for those exposed to silica to sue before they become ill, according to an article published in The Toledo Blade.

The law, which likely will take effect in early September, makes Ohio the first state to establish a medical threshold plaintiffs must meet to sustain a suit against firms that mine sand and quartz or make the safety equipment for sand blasters, glass makers and other workers.

When inhaled, silica — a component of sand — can lead to cancer, lung ailments and death, much like asbestos can. Fewer than 1,000 silica suits have been filed in Ohio, according to the article.

Unlike a separate asbestos bill awaiting Taft’s signature, the silica bill will not retroactively remove active silica cases from court dockets until the plaintiffs meet the new medical criteria. More than 40,000 asbestos suits have been filed in Ohio to date.