A woman has filed a lawsuit after her husband died ofmesothelioma cancer, which she alleges was caused by asbestos exposure on the job.

Plaintiff Nancy D. alleges her husband Sidney was exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos during his years working at Mayport shipyard in Jacksonville, Fla.

According to the complaint, Sydney was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer in early August 2015. He died on May 29, 2017.

Crane Co. and Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc., both Delaware corporations, are named defendants in the case.

Sydney was purportedly exposed to asbestos from 1963 to 1983 because he worked with asbestos-containing valves, pumps, gaskets, packing and sheet gasketing while he worked on a variety of ships.

He also worked as a pipefitter from 1967 to 1968, as an HVAC technician from 1976 to 1979, and as a mechanic from 1989 to 1999. He allegedly was exposed to asbestos-containing materials while working in those positions, as well.

Nancy alleges Sydney inhaled asbestos fibers from the products he worked in and around and was unaware of the material’s dangerous properties.

She further alleges he contracted mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of an organ, from the daily inhalation of asbestos fibers. The lungs are covered by tissue known as pleura, which is the most common tissue damaged by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has long been used for insulation because it’s strong, flexible and flame retardant. Thermal insulation acoustical texture materials, ceiling tiles, roofing, and brake and clutch materials all contain asbestos.

Men and women who have worked in shipyards, construction or automotive manufacturing have potentially high levels of exposure to asbestos dust.

No Warnings of Risks of Mesothelioma Cancer

Nancy accuses the defendants of negligence because of their failure to adequately warn her husband of the health hazards of asbestos exposure. She alleges they knew that asbestos was a deadly carcinogen and that damaging levels of asbestos-laced dust invisible to the naked eye are capable of causing terminal cancer.

The companies also allegedly failed to provide Sydney with information on how to protect himself from asbestos particles. He allegedly was not informed of the safe handling and use of asbestos products or of the appropriate protective clothing and equipment that he should have worn.

According to the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MESORFA), asbestos was first used in the commercial production of insulating materials in 1879. The first disease linked to asbestos was called “curious bodies” found in the lungs back in 1899. Asbestosis and lung cancer were attributed to asbestos fibers in 1935.

Asbestos materials in their final form are not dangerous, but when the materials are ripped, crumbled or otherwise disturbed, asbestos fibers enter the air where they can stay suspended for great lengths of time. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or even swallowed by anyone in the area.

Signs of mesothelioma include chest pain, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, pain from pressure on nerves and the spinal cord and fluid that has accumulated in the chest.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 0:19-cv-60522-WPD in the Circuit Court of the 17^thJudicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida.