by LANSING, MI – A former Michigan State University graduate student has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the school, alleging that repeated exposure to hazardous pesticides and herbicides during her research caused her to develop thyroid cancer.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
The plaintiff, LingLong Wei, studied horticulture at MSU between 2008 and 2011. According to her lawsuit filed in Ingham County Circuit Court, Wei was required to use chemicals including paraquat dichloride, glyphosate, and oxyfluorfen—all of which have been linked to cancer in various scientific studies.
Wei says she was repeatedly told by the university that “exposure was harmless” and was not provided with proper training or protective equipment. Her attorneys argue that MSU failed to meet even the most basic workplace safety standards.
A Cancer Diagnosis Years Later
Wei was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on June 26, 2023, more than a decade after her time at MSU. She underwent surgery that left her with a permanent scar near her throat.
The former student said her diagnosis has left her uncertain about her future, particularly her ability to have children. “I don’t know what my long-term health holds,” she told reporters in Lansing, adding that she believes the university’s negligence robbed her of her sense of security.
Safety Concerns Dismissed
Wei recalled raising concerns about the chemicals during her time as a student, only to be brushed aside.
“Back then, when I was a student at MSU, I did speak up about my concerns, but no one listened. I was told everything was OK and that exposure was harmless,” Wei said.
According to NBC News, As an international student from China, she believes her concerns were minimized because administrators assumed she would eventually leave the United States.
“Too often, international students are overlooked because some assume they will return home after graduation, leaving their concerns unheard,” Wei added.
Attorney: “Thrown Out There Without Protection”
Wei’s attorney, Maya Green, argued that MSU knowingly placed her client in dangerous working conditions.
“She was subjected to hazardous pesticides without proper gloves, without respiratory masks, without adequate training,” Green said. “Ms. Wei was thrown out there to spray these herbicides without protection. She was far from home, in a foreign country, and relied on Michigan State to keep her safe. They failed her.”
The lawsuit alleges that MSU’s reassurances created a false sense of safety, ultimately leading to life-altering consequences.
MSU Responds
Michigan State University declined to comment directly on Wei’s claims but emphasized that safety is a priority.
“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,” MSU spokesperson Amber McCann said.
McCann added that the university provides required training and protective equipment “in compliance with applicable university policies and state and federal laws.”
Chemicals at the Center of the Case
The chemicals Wei says she was exposed to—paraquat, glyphosate, and oxyfluorfen—are widely used in agriculture but have been controversial:
- Paraquat has been banned in dozens of countries due to its extreme toxicity and links to Parkinson’s disease.
- Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been the subject of thousands of lawsuits alleging it causes cancer.
- Oxyfluorfen has been associated with risks of organ toxicity and long-term health effects.
Public health experts stress that protective equipment and strict safety measures are essential when handling these substances.
A $100 Million Claim
Wei’s lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages, citing medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and emotional anguish. Her attorneys argue that MSU “recklessly disregarded her safety” and that she continues to suffer long-term health consequences.
“Ms. Wei was constantly reassured that what she was doing was not harmful to her, and she relied on that,” Green said. “She trusted Michigan State University, and it cost her dearly.”
What do you think — should universities face stronger oversight when it comes to student safety in research labs? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
