Are Roundup and Paraquat Used on Los Angeles Golf Courses? What Players and Workers Should Know
Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful and well-maintained golf courses in the country. Keeping those fairways and greens pristine requires intensive turf management, which often involves the use of powerful herbicides. Two chemicals that have been the subject of major health litigation, glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) and Paraquat, have different risk profiles and are regulated very differently in California.
For golfers, course employees, and nearby residents, questions about these chemicals are valid and important. This guide explains their typical usage patterns, how you can find out if they are used on a specific course, and what to do if you suspect you were exposed and became ill. If you have been diagnosed with a serious illness after herbicide exposure, the team at Walch Law is here to help. Our consultations are always free and confidential, and you pay no fees unless we win a financial recovery for you. Call now to learn more.
A Quick Primer: Glyphosate vs. Paraquat
It’s crucial to understand that these two herbicides are not the same.
- Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup): This is a widely used, non-selective herbicide. On golf courses, it’s typically used for “spot treatment” to control weeds along cart paths, fence lines, in parking lots, and in unmanicured rough areas. It is generally not used on playing surfaces like greens and fairways. Many public agencies in California, including some cities and counties in LA, have policies to restrict or phase out its use on public property.
- Paraquat: This is a highly toxic, non-selective herbicide designated as a “Restricted Use Pesticide” in California. This means it can only be purchased and applied by licensed, certified applicators. Its use is tightly controlled and documented. While it can be used for turf management, its high toxicity and strict regulations mean its use on golf courses is far less common than glyphosate.
Are These Chemicals Used on LA Golf Courses?
The short answer is: it depends entirely on the specific course. A privately owned country club will have a different policy than a municipal course operated by the City or County of Los Angeles. Publicly-owned courses often must follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy that prioritizes non-chemical methods first and requires the use of the least-toxic options.
So, how can you find out what’s being used on a particular course?
- Request the IPM Plan: Ask the course management for a copy of their Integrated Pest Management plan. This document should outline their philosophy and procedures for pest and weed control.
- Check Pesticide Use Reports: Commercial pesticide applications must be reported to the local county agricultural commissioner. You can file a Public Records Act request with the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures department for annual pesticide use reports for a specific golf course address.
- Look for Posted Notices: California law requires notice to be posted at the site of a pesticide application. These signs should identify the product used, the date of application, and the required re-entry interval (REI).
- Ask for Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Every employer that uses hazardous chemicals must have an SDS for each product. This document provides detailed information about health risks and safety precautions.
Potential Exposure Pathways on a Golf Course
Exposure can happen in several ways, even with safety protocols in place.
- Players: The most common risk is entering a freshly treated area before the re-entry interval has passed or being downwind from a spray application on a windy day (known as spray drift).
- Caddies, Marshals, and Staff: Employees who spend all day on the course have a higher potential for cumulative exposure.
- Maintenance Crews: Groundskeepers and licensed applicators face the highest risk, particularly during mixing, loading, and spraying operations, and during equipment cleanup.
- Bystanders and Residents: People living along the perimeter of a golf course could potentially be exposed to spray drift.
Health Concerns Linked to Herbicides
Major litigation has linked these two chemicals to serious diseases.
- Glyphosate/Roundup: Thousands of lawsuits allege that exposure to glyphosate can cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL).
- Paraquat: A growing number of lawsuits allege a link between Paraquat exposure and the development of Parkinson’s disease.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms, your first step should be a thorough evaluation by a qualified physician.
What to Do If You Think You Were Exposed
If you believe you were exposed to an herbicide on a golf course, take these steps immediately:
- Document the date, time, and exact location on the course.
- Take photos of any posted signs, the treated area, and the application in progress if visible.
- Note the weather conditions, especially wind direction.
- Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing in a sealed bag.
- Wash any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek medical care and report the suspected exposure to your doctor.
- Report the incident to the course management and the LA County Agricultural Commissioner’s office.
- For Workers: Report the incident to your supervisor immediately, fill out an official incident report, and ask to see an occupational medicine specialist. This is critical for any potential workers’ compensation claim.
Building a Potential Legal Claim
A successful legal claim requires extensive evidence to prove that a specific exposure caused a specific illness. This involves:
- Documentation: Obtaining the course’s IPM plan, pesticide application logs, purchase invoices, and contractor agreements.
- Chemical Information: Securing the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label for the chemical involved.
- Proof of Use: Finding applicator licenses, training records, and restricted materials permits (for Paraquat).
- Witnesses: Getting statements from anyone who saw the application or can verify your presence on the course.
- Medical Records: A clear diagnosis and medical history from your doctors linking the illness to the exposure.
Legal Options and Strict Deadlines
Depending on the facts, a legal claim could be based on several theories, including premises liability (the course owner failed to keep the property safe), contractor negligence, or products liability (against the chemical manufacturer).
It is vital to act quickly. California has a strict statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date you knew or should have known your illness was connected to the exposure. If the golf course is owned by a city or public agency, you have a much shorter deadline—you must file a formal Government Tort Claim within just six months of the injury.
How Walch Law Helps
Navigating these complex cases requires a deep understanding of environmental law, toxicology, and personal injury litigation. The team at Walch Law will:
- Investigate the course’s pesticide use and compliance history.
- Obtain all necessary records through Public Records Act requests and legal discovery.
- Consult with our network of top experts in toxicology, industrial hygiene, and medicine.
- Thoroughly document all of your medical damages and financial losses.
- Provide compassionate support and clear communication at every stage.
If you believe your health has been harmed by herbicide exposure on a Los Angeles golf course, contact Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights and options.