SoCal city suspends use of landscaping chemical amid rare cancer cluster
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Ladera Ranch, a wealthy Southern California community, has experienced a concerning increase in rare childhood cancer cases, specifically Ewing sarcoma, since 2013, including the death of 17-year-old Brody Matteson from secondary leukemia after treatment.
- In response, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) has temporarily halted the routine use of certain landscape chemicals linked to weed management and plant growth regulation, while continuing essential pest control activities.
- LARMAC formed an Ad Hoc Landscape Pest Management Advisory Committee to review current practices and is reassessing how residents are notified about maintenance work.
- First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli has requested a federal investigation by the EPA into potential environmental causes of the cancer cluster and possible violations of federal environmental laws.
- Despite no established link between the chemicals and cancer cases, community concerns over pesticide and herbicide use have driven the demand for further evaluation and transparency.
