How Quickly Can You Develop Non‑Hodgkin’s Lymphoma After Using Roundup?

After receiving a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), it’s natural to search for answers. If you have a history of using Roundup or other glyphosate-based herbicides, one of your first questions is likely: “Could the weed killer have caused this, and how long does it take?”

It’s a common and critical question, but there is no single, simple answer. The time between exposure and diagnosis can vary significantly from person to person. It depends on the dose, frequency, and duration of your exposure, as well as individual health factors. Understanding this timeline, known as the “latency period,” is a crucial part of building a successful legal claim.

At Walch Law, we help families navigate these complex questions with clarity and compassion. Our consultations are always free and confidential, and we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay absolutely no fees unless we secure a financial recovery for you.

What Does “Latency Period” Mean in a Cancer Case?

In legal and medical terms, latency is the time that passes between a person’s first significant exposure to a cancer-causing agent and their official diagnosis. For a Roundup claim, this is the window between when you started using the herbicide and when a doctor diagnosed you with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Latency matters for two key reasons:

Medical Causation: For a claim to be valid, the latency period must be consistent with what medical science understands about how glyphosate exposure can lead to cancer. A diagnosis that comes too soon after exposure might be attributed to other causes, while a very long latency can also raise questions.
Legal Eligibility: Many of the large, structured settlement programs for Roundup claims have established minimum exposure windows. To be eligible for these programs, your case often needs to fall within a scientifically supported latency period.

Factors That Influence the Timeline

There is no magic number for how many years of exposure will lead to NHL. Instead, experts look at a range of factors to assess the link between Roundup and your illness.

Cumulative Dose: This is the total amount of glyphosate you were exposed to over time. Someone who mixed and sprayed Roundup concentrate daily for 20 years has a much higher cumulative dose than a homeowner who used a ready-to-use spray bottle a few times each spring.
Intensity of Exposure: Handling concentrated formulas is more dangerous than using pre-diluted products.
Application Method: Using a backpack or boom sprayer can create a fine mist that is easily inhaled, leading to higher exposure than spot-treating individual weeds.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Did you consistently wear gloves, long sleeves, and a respirator? Lack of PPE can dramatically increase dermal (skin) and inhalation exposure.
Individual Factors: Your age, genetic predispositions, and overall medical history can also play a role in how your body responds to a toxic chemical.

Typical Exposure Patterns We See

Roundup exposure can happen in many different settings. Our clients often come from a range of occupations and backgrounds:

Licensed Applicators and Groundskeepers: People who worked in agriculture, landscaping, or professional groundskeeping with years of regular use.
Farmworkers: Agricultural laborers who worked in or near fields being treated with herbicides.
Residential Users: Homeowners and gardeners who used Roundup for seasonal weed control in their yards.
Golf Course and Parks Staff: Employees responsible for maintaining large turf areas.
Utility and Right-of-Way Crews: Workers who used herbicides to clear vegetation along roadsides, railways, and power lines.

How Experts Link Roundup Exposure to Your Diagnosis

To prove your NHL was substantially caused by Roundup, your legal and medical team will perform a comprehensive analysis. This is about building a complete picture, not relying on a single piece of evidence. The process involves:

Confirming the Diagnosis: Verifying the specific subtype of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma through pathology reports.
Building an Exposure History: Creating a detailed timeline of your Roundup use, including products, frequency, and tasks.
Evaluating Latency: Ensuring the time between your first exposure and diagnosis is consistent with the medical literature.
Dose Reconstruction: Toxicologists may estimate your total cumulative exposure based on your work history and application methods.
Differential Diagnosis: This is a critical step where doctors systematically rule out other known causes of NHL, strengthening the argument that glyphosate was a substantial contributing factor.

What Your Timeline Means for Your Claim’s Eligibility

A longer, heavier, and more frequent exposure history generally makes for a stronger causation argument. It paints a clearer picture for an insurance company or a jury. However, a shorter or more intermittent exposure history does not automatically disqualify you. A case involving a homeowner with well-documented, intense seasonal use can still be successful.

Many settlement programs use a matrix that assigns points based on factors like age, severity of the NHL, and the length and intensity of exposure. A latency period that aligns well with a strong exposure history is often required to qualify for these programs.

Evidence You Should Start Gathering Now

If you are considering a claim, begin collecting any documentation you can find. This evidence is the foundation of your case.

An exposure log detailing when, where, and how you used Roundup.
Old product containers, purchase receipts, or credit card statements.
Photos or videos of you using the product.
Work records, job descriptions, or statements from co-workers.
Records of any applicator licenses or safety training.
All medical records, especially the pathology reports confirming your NHL diagnosis.
A journal detailing your symptoms and their onset.

Deadlines and Next Steps in California

You must act quickly to protect your legal rights. California has a strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Under the “discovery rule,” this clock usually starts running when you are diagnosed with NHL and knew or reasonably should have known that Roundup exposure could be a cause.

Do not wait to seek legal advice. Do not give any recorded statements to representatives from Bayer/Monsanto or their insurance companies. Continue with your medical treatment as prescribed by your doctors.

How Walch Law Helps WIN California Roundup Lawsuits

Navigating a complex mass tort claim is an overwhelming burden when you are also fighting a serious illness. Our team is here to lift that burden. We will:

Conduct a free, thorough case screening to evaluate your exposure history.
Work with you to build a detailed timeline of your exposure and medical history.
Consult our network of top experts in toxicology, oncology, and epidemiology.
Handle all communications with the defendants and their insurers.
Aggressively negotiate your medical liens to maximize the money that goes into your pocket.
Provide compassionate, clear communication every step of the way.

If you or a loved one developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after using Roundup, you deserve answers and accountability. Contact Walch Law today for a free consultation to learn how we can help your family. CALL NOW