A former graduate student is suing Michigan State University for $100 million, claiming she developed thyroid cancer after her research included prolonged exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
Linglong Wei, an international student from China, worked as a student research assistant at MSU from 2008-11 while earning a master's degree, according to her lawsuit. Last year, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer requiring treatment, including surgery.
The suit claims the school failed to provide proper protective equipment and training to Wei.
"Ms. Wei was instructed and directed ... to spray hazardous pesticides and herbicides, including paraquat dichloride, glyphosate and oxyfluorfen, for up to eight hours in a single day from 2008 to 2011, whenever her class schedule would allow," the suit says. "Ms. Wei was never given the proper mask, gloves or coveralls while handling the pesticides and herbicides. While spraying these toxic chemicals, the wind would often blow the chemicals into Ms. Wei’s face."
The school said in a statement that it takes safety seriously.
"While we cannot offer comment on pending litigation, we do want to emphasize that Michigan State University prioritizes the health and safety of our entire campus community," school spokeswoman Amber McCann said in a statement. "Appropriate and required training and necessary personal protective equipment is provided in compliance with applicable university policies and state and federal laws."
The suit claims Wei experienced shortness of breath after spraying the chemicals in 2010 and sought treatment through the school's health system.
"Michigan State University’s Olin Health Center dismissed Ms. Wei’s complaints of shortness of breath, attributing them to anxiety," the suit says.
Wei's attorney, Maya Green, said other student researchers may have experienced similar problems.
"We firmly believe that Ms. Wei is not the only victim of MSU’s gross negligence," Green wrote in a demand letter. "Other research assistants and students may have suffered similar harm due to prolonged exposure to the hazardous pesticides and herbicides without the proper safeguards."
Contact John Wisely: [email protected]. On X: @jwisely.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Former grad student sues Michigan State University for $100M
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