Why Mesothelioma Cases Occur in Columbus
Columbus's asbestos legacy stems from its diverse industrial and research base. Battelle Memorial Institute, one of the world's largest independent research organizations, operated laboratories and research facilities in Columbus where asbestos was used in building insulation, laboratory construction, and research equipment throughout decades of expansion.
AEP Ohio (formerly Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power) operated generating stations throughout the Columbus area where asbestos was standard in boiler insulation, turbine casings, steam piping, and electrical components. The Anheuser-Busch brewery in Columbus used asbestos in brewing equipment, refrigeration systems, and building insulation.
The 20-to-50-Year Latency Period
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years. A worker exposed to asbestos at Columbus facilities in the 1970s may only receive a mesothelioma diagnosis in 2025 or later. This is why Columbus continues to produce new mesothelioma cases decades after asbestos use was restricted.
General Motors operated assembly and manufacturing plants in the Columbus area where asbestos was used in brake components, gaskets, insulation, and manufacturing equipment. The Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), one of the largest military logistics facilities in the DOD, used asbestos in building construction and warehouse insulation.
Columbus's growth as Ohio's state capital and largest city created extensive asbestos exposure through construction, renovation, and demolition of government buildings, commercial facilities, and residential structures built with asbestos-containing materials.
Columbus's Asbestos Legacy by the Numbers
Battelle manages several national laboratories and employs thousands in Columbus. AEP is one of the largest utilities in the nation. DSCC is one of the DOD's largest supply centers. Ohio allows 2 years from diagnosis to file a mesothelioma claim. Documenting your asbestos exposure history is a critical first step.

