2/5 seats are up for the 2026 LARMAC Board election. Every Resident needs to VOTE! +++++++
How We Got Here
/01
In spring 2026, Ladera Ranch residents began sharing concerns following reports of several children and young adults in the community who had been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Families also reported other cancer diagnoses among residents.
These reports raised reasonable questions, but they did not establish a cancer cluster or identify a cause. Ladera Health Watch was formed to gather reliable information, request appropriate government review, organize public records and advocate for practical, health-protective measures while that work continues.
Our review is not limited to any one possible environmental factor. We are gathering information concerning pesticide and herbicide use, drinking-water quality, historic wells, surrounding land uses and infrastructure, and other environmental conditions that residents have asked about.
We are not claiming that any of these factors caused any individual illness. Our goal is to determine what is known, identify what remains unknown and make the information accessible to the community.
/03
Current Project
Status
No government agency has officially determined that a cancer cluster exists in Ladera Ranch, and no environmental cause has been identified.
The California Cancer Registry analysis remains pending. That analysis will help determine whether the number and types of diagnosed cancers shown in official records are statistically unusual when compared with appropriate California populations.
Public-records collection and agency review are continuing. Ladera Health Watch is also working to obtain the information needed for independent environmental testing and a more complete review by qualified researchers.
What happens next.
We will review and respect the California Cancer Registry’s findings when they are received, regardless of the outcome.
Cancer Registry Review
Once the registry results are available, researchers at UC Irvine are expected to assist in reviewing the findings and helping determine whether additional analysis or study is appropriate.
Independent Expert Review
Identify legitimate, independent testing methods and qualified laboratories. Any community testing plan must be scientifically useful, appropriately designed and transparent about its limitations.
Water And Soil Testing
Resident representatives will work through the LARMAC advisory process to recommend a stronger Integrated Pest Management policy, better recordkeeping, meaningful advance notice and greater reliance on lower-risk and nonchemical approaches.
Pesticide & Landscaping Review
We will continue seeking pesticide-use records, water-quality data, school records, agency investigation materials and relevant historical environmental records.
Public Records & Environmental Research
We are researching filtration systems at different price points so residents who choose to filter their household water can make decisions based on credible information rather than fear or marketing claims.
Water Filtration Information
