California: Can Children Get Sick From Roundup Exposure?

Can Children Get Sick From Roundup Exposure?

As a parent or caregiver, your child’s health is your highest priority. It is natural to feel concerned when you hear about potential dangers in everyday products, and few have generated more debate than the weed killer Roundup. Many parents across California are asking a deeply unsettling question: Can my child get sick from exposure to Roundup?

This concern is valid. While the science and legal battles are complex, understanding the potential risks is the first step toward protecting your family. At Walch Law, we help families navigate the legal system after they have been harmed. This guide provides information on Roundup, potential health links, and the steps you can take if you believe your child has been exposed.

What is Roundup and How Are Children Exposed?

Roundup is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Its active ingredient is glyphosate, a chemical designed to kill a broad spectrum of weeds. Because it is so effective, it is used everywhere from large-scale farms to public parks and neighborhood lawns.

Children are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposure due to their size, developing bodies, and behaviors. They may come into contact with Roundup and glyphosate through several common pathways:

Home and Garden Use: Direct exposure can occur if a child enters an area recently sprayed with Roundup, whether in your own yard or a neighbor’s.
Schools and Public Parks: Many municipalities and school districts use glyphosate-based herbicides to maintain grounds and playing fields.
Spray Drift: Wind can carry chemical droplets from a nearby application site (like a farm or golf course) into residential areas, schoolyards, or playgrounds.
Residue on Surfaces: Children playing on treated grass or soil can be exposed through skin contact or hand-to-mouth behavior.

Potential Health Concerns Linked to Glyphosate

The health effects of glyphosate exposure are the subject of intense scientific debate and ongoing litigation. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Roundup’s manufacturer, Bayer (formerly Monsanto), by individuals who developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) after long-term exposure. Many of these cases have resulted in significant verdicts for the plaintiffs.

While much of the focus has been on adult cancer risk, the question of how glyphosate affects children is a critical area of concern. It is important to approach this topic with caution and rely on medical professionals for diagnosis. Some studies have explored potential links between glyphosate exposure and various health issues, but the evidence is often mixed and developing.

A medical evaluation is essential if your child shows any concerning symptoms after a suspected exposure. A doctor can assess their condition and determine the cause without speculation.

Acute vs. Long-Term Concerns

It’s helpful to distinguish between two types of exposure:

Acute Exposure: This refers to a single, high-dose exposure. Symptoms can appear shortly after contact and may include skin irritation, eye irritation, or gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Chronic (Long-Term) Exposure: This involves repeated, lower-level exposures over months or years. The health concerns currently being litigated, such as NHL, are associated with this type of long-term exposure.

What to Do After a Suspected Exposure

If you believe your child has been exposed to Roundup, take these immediate steps to prioritize their safety and document the event.

Stop the Exposure: Immediately remove your child from the area where the exposure occurred.
Wash Thoroughly: Remove any contaminated clothing. Wash your child’s skin with soap and water, and flush their eyes with clean water if contact occurred there.
Document the Product: If possible, safely take a picture of the product label, noting the full product name and any EPA registration numbers or lot numbers.
Seek Medical Advice: Contact your pediatrician or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). Explain what happened and follow their guidance. A medical professional is the only one who can properly diagnose and treat your child.

Legal Considerations for a Roundup Claim

If your child has been diagnosed with a serious illness and you suspect a link to Roundup exposure, pursuing a legal claim can be a complex process. Key legal factors include:

Time Limits (Statute of Limitations): California has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including Roundup. It is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not lose your right to seek compensation.
Identifying Defendants: A claim might be brought against various parties, including the product manufacturer (Bayer), a professional applicator (like a landscaping company), or the owner of the property where the exposure occurred (such as a school district or municipality, which have special claim rules).
Proving Causation: The biggest challenge in these cases is proving that the exposure to glyphosate was a substantial factor in causing your child’s specific illness. This requires extensive medical records and testimony from scientific and medical experts.

How to Document Exposure for a Potential Claim

Building a strong case requires meticulous documentation. The best attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, which may include:

Product Records: Receipts for Roundup purchases, photos of containers, and any lot numbers.
Application Records: Records from landscaping companies, schools, or city park departments showing when and where they sprayed.
Photos and Videos: Images of spraying being done near your home or play areas.
Witness Statements: Information from neighbors or others who saw the spraying or also have concerns.
Medical Records: A complete and detailed history of your child’s medical care, diagnoses, and treatments.

How Walch Law Can Help Maximize your California Child Roundup Payout

Navigating a toxic exposure claim is not something any family should do alone. The legal and scientific issues are incredibly complex, and taking on a large corporation requires significant resources.

The team at Walch Law can help you understand your options and handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your child. We can:

Provide a Free Consultation: We will listen to your story, review the facts of your case, and provide a clear, honest assessment of your legal options.
Preserve Critical Evidence: We act quickly to secure application records, interview witnesses, and ensure all necessary evidence is protected.
Coordinate with Experts: We work with a network of respected medical and scientific experts who can review your child’s case to help establish the link between their illness and glyphosate exposure.
Manage Your Claim: We handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing the initial claim to negotiating with defendants or taking your case to trial.

Contact Us for a Free and Confidential Consultation

If your child has been diagnosed with a serious health condition and you are worried about their exposure to Roundup, please do not hesitate to seek help. You deserve answers and support.

Contact the compassionate attorneys at Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to listen and help you determine the best path forward for your family.