SoCal city suspends use of landscaping chemical amid rare cancer cluster
Ladera Ranch is pausing the use of landscape chemicals after a series of pediatric Ewing sarcoma diagnoses. The community is working with an advisory committee to review maintenance practices while awaiting further investigation.
Why it matters
The incident serves as a case study for how local communities respond to health crises and the pressure placed on organizations to ensure environmental safety.
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Add The California Post on Google A wealthy Southern California community with a disturbing spike in rare cancer cases among children is taking action.
The community of Ladera Ranch has seen a number of Ewing sarcoma diagnoses among children dating back to 2013, with additional cases emerging in recent years. Among them was 17-year-old Brody Matteson, who died after his cancer treatment resulted in secondary leukemia.
Now, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC), the company responsible for the landscaping and maintenance for the community, is halting the use of landscape chemicals associated with its work.
LARMAC established an Ad Hoc Landscape Pest Management Advisory Committee, composed of homeowners and Board members, to review the current program, The California Post has learned.
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