Updated
Updated · NBC Los Angeles · Jul 22
Ladera Ranch HOA Halts Some Pesticides for 60 Days as EPA Is Asked to Probe Cancer Cases
Updated
Updated · NBC Los Angeles · Jul 22

Ladera Ranch HOA Halts Some Pesticides for 60 Days as EPA Is Asked to Probe Cancer Cases

3 articles · Updated · NBC Los Angeles · Jul 22

Summary

  • A 60-day pause on certain pesticides took effect in Ladera Ranch after about 400 residents packed a meeting over multiple Ewing sarcoma diagnoses among local children and young adults.
  • County and state health officials are reviewing cancer data in the area, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been asked to investigate possible environmental exposures.
  • Families affected by the rare bone and soft-tissue cancer pressed for a transparent, independent inquiry, saying several cases in Ladera Ranch and nearby Orange County cities are too unusual to ignore.
  • No direct link between pesticides and Ewing sarcoma has been proven, though some studies suggest a possible connection, and state lawmakers said multiple levels of government are joining the review.

Insights

A community demands answers for its sick children. Is the price of perfect lawns a pediatric cancer cluster?
Ewing sarcoma has a genetic trigger. Could common pesticides be flipping the switch for this rare cancer?