Roundup Exposure at Golf Courses: What Players, Groundskeepers, and Neighbors Need to Know

A golf course, with its perfectly manicured greens and pristine fairways, is often seen as a peaceful escape. Yet, maintaining this idyllic landscape frequently involves the heavy use of chemical herbicides like Roundup. For groundskeepers who apply these products, golfers who play on the turf, and neighbors who live nearby, this creates a hidden risk of exposure to glyphosate, a chemical linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other serious illnesses.

At Walch Law, we are seeing a growing number of cases involving individuals who suspect their cancer is connected to time spent on or near golf courses. If you are a groundskeeper, an avid golfer, or a resident living near a course, understanding your risk and your legal rights is essential.

How Are People Exposed to Roundup on Golf Courses?

Roundup and other glyphosate-based products are used extensively on golf courses to control weeds along fairways, in the rough, around sand traps, and along fence lines. This widespread use creates several pathways for exposure:

Direct Application: Groundskeepers and maintenance crews face the highest risk, as they mix and spray the chemical, often for hours at a time.
Spray Drift: Wind can carry fine droplets of Roundup off the intended area, exposing golfers on other parts of the course and residents in adjacent properties.
Contact with Treated Surfaces: Golfers can be exposed by touching treated grass, retrieving a ball from the rough, or simply walking across the course. The chemical residue can then be absorbed through the skin.
Contaminated Equipment and Clothing: Residue on shoes, clothes, golf clubs, and maintenance equipment can lead to prolonged, low-level exposure long after leaving the course.
Contaminated Runoff: Rain and irrigation can wash glyphosate from the course into local streams and groundwater, potentially affecting the water supply of nearby homes.

Health Risks and Symptoms to Watch For

The primary health concern associated with glyphosate is its classification as a “probable human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This is due to its strong link with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Early signs of NHL can be subtle and include swollen lymph nodes (often in the neck, armpit, or groin), fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Exposure

If you have been diagnosed with NHL and believe it is linked to a golf course, documenting your exposure is the most critical step in building a legal claim.

Document Your History: Write down all relevant details. For groundskeepers, list the courses you worked at, your job duties, the products you used, and whether you were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). For golfers, detail the courses you played, how frequently you played, and over how many years.
Identify Witnesses: Coworkers, supervisors, or golfing partners can help corroborate your story.
Gather Medical Records: A clear diagnosis and all related medical documentation are essential.

Legal Considerations for Your Claim

Filing a lawsuit for toxic exposure is complex. Several legal factors come into play:

Proving Causation: You must prove that your exposure to Roundup was a substantial factor in causing your NHL. This requires expert testimony from oncologists and toxicologists.
Liability: Depending on the case, a claim may be filed against the manufacturer (Bayer) for failing to warn of the risks, or against an employer for failing to provide a safe work environment.
Workers’ Compensation: For groundskeepers, a workers’ compensation claim may be an option, but it often does not provide full compensation for pain and suffering. A third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer can be filed simultaneously.

How Walch Law Can Help- Winning Roundup Law Firm

Navigating a Roundup lawsuit requires a deep understanding of toxic tort law and the resources to stand up to large corporations. The team at Walch Law can investigate your exposure history, connect you with top medical experts, and build a powerful case to fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and you suspect a link to a golf course, contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you seek justice.