Investigation launched into possible childhood cancer cluster in Ladera Ranch, California
Attorneys are collecting data from families in Ladera Ranch after at least six cases of rare childhood cancers were reported since 2013, while local health agencies begin a review of cancer incidence in the community.
Attorneys from Bond Legal are confidentially gathering information from parents whose children lived in or frequently visited the master-planned community of Ladera Ranch in Orange County after six diagnoses of rare childhood cancers, including Ewing sarcoma, have been reported since 2013. The law firm is seeking details about possible exposures to pesticides, herbicides, contaminated soil or water, construction materials and other environmental factors.
The Orange County Health Care Agency said representatives from the California Cancer Registry, the UCI Cancer Center and the county’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office met after the County Health Officer initiated outreach earlier this year. The group will conduct an updated review of cancer data and share findings with the health officer in the coming weeks.
"The concentration of cases in a single community is deeply troubling, especially to those who live there," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
The California Department of Public Health explained that its Cancer Registry evaluates potential clusters by comparing local case numbers with expected rates based on statewide data, noting that an apparent increase does not alone prove a cluster or a common cause.
Local officials and residents have raised concerns about extensive pesticide and herbicide use across the 4,000-acre development. Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez said her office is gathering information and reviewing the issue with state and local agencies, emphasizing the need for a transparent, science-based process.
Environmental health expert Bruce Blumberg of UC Irvine advised that communities should minimize pesticide use and consider organic landscaping alternatives. In response, the Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation announced the formation of an ad-hoc advisory committee to review landscape practices and recommend improvements, stating it is not aware of any agency determination linking the community’s landscaping to the illnesses.