The Most Common Places in Los Angeles to Get Exposed to Roundup and Paraquat

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, but it is also an area rich in agriculture and beautifully manicured green spaces. To maintain these areas, powerful herbicides like Roundup and Paraquat are used far more frequently than most residents realize. While these chemicals are effective at killing weeds, they are also linked to devastating health problems, including Parkinson’s disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The danger lies in the fact that you do not have to be a farmworker to be exposed. These toxic chemicals can drift from their application sites into neighborhoods, parks, and schools. At Walch Law, we are helping Los Angeles families who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses after being exposed to these herbicides. Understanding where these exposures happen is the first step in protecting your health and knowing your legal rights.

An Overview of Roundup and Paraquat

Roundup, with its active ingredient glyphosate, is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It is available for both commercial and residential use. Its link to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has resulted in thousands of successful lawsuits against its manufacturer.

Paraquat is a far more toxic, “restricted use” chemical available only to licensed applicators. It is known to be lethal if ingested and is scientifically linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Common LA Locations for Toxic Herbicide Exposure

While you might think these risks are confined to rural farming communities, exposure is a significant concern right here in Los Angeles County.

1. Agricultural Areas (Ventura & San Bernardino County Borders)

The agricultural lands bordering LA County are heavy users of both Roundup and Paraquat.

Farms, Orchards, and Vineyards: Workers and residents in or near these areas face the highest risk from direct spraying, spray drift, and contaminated groundwater.
How Exposure Happens: Inhalation of spray drift, skin contact with treated plants, or drinking from contaminated wells.

2. Public Parks and Recreational Areas

Many municipalities have historically used glyphosate-based products to control weeds in public spaces.

Local and State Parks: Weeds along pathways, in flower beds, and in large turf areas are often managed with herbicides.
How Exposure Happens: Children and adults can be exposed by playing on recently treated grass, having picnics, or simply walking through a park while spray is still in the air or on surfaces.

3. School Grounds and University Campuses

To maintain athletic fields and campus landscaping, many educational institutions have relied on chemical herbicides.

Playing Fields, Playgrounds, and Quads: These high-traffic areas are often treated to keep them weed-free.
How Exposure Happens: Students, teachers, and groundskeepers can be exposed through direct contact with treated fields or through drift from nearby applications.

4. Golf Courses

The pristine greens and fairways of LA’s many golf courses often require intensive chemical treatment.

Fairways, Roughs, and Landscaped Areas: Both Roundup and Paraquat have been used to maintain turf and control weeds.
How Exposure Happens: Golfers and course employees are at risk from inhaling spray, skin contact with treated grass, and contact with contaminated equipment.

5. Residential Landscaping

Roundup is a staple for many homeowners and commercial landscaping companies working in LA’s neighborhoods.

Yards, Driveways, and Sidewalks: It is commonly used to kill weeds growing in cracks in the pavement or in garden beds.
How Exposure Happens: Homeowners can be exposed during application. Neighbors, children, and pets can be exposed through spray drift or by walking on treated areas before they have fully dried.

6. Utility Rights-of-Way and Transportation Corridors

Crews use powerful herbicides to keep vegetation from interfering with infrastructure.

Along Freeways, Railroad Tracks, and Under Power Lines: These areas are frequently sprayed to prevent plant overgrowth.
How Exposure Happens: Spray can easily drift into adjacent neighborhoods, exposing residents who live near these corridors.

How Does Exposure Occur in These Settings?

Spray Drift: Wind carries fine chemical droplets from the application site into surrounding areas.
Direct Contact: Touching treated plants or soil before the chemical has dried or degraded.
Contaminated Soil or Water: Chemicals can seep into the ground, contaminating private wells or getting kicked up as dust.
Secondary “Take-Home” Exposure: Workers can bring chemical residues home on their clothes and shoes, exposing family members.

Health Risks Linked to Herbicide Exposure

Exposure to these chemicals is linked to severe, life-altering health conditions.

Parkinson’s Disease: Associated primarily with long-term Paraquat exposure. It is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL): A type of cancer linked to chronic Roundup (glyphosate) exposure.
Acute Poisoning: Immediate symptoms after a high-dose exposure can include skin and eye irritation, nausea, and respiratory distress.

Steps to Take to Minimize Exposure and Document Your Case

If you live or work near any of these high-risk areas, it is important to be proactive.

To Minimize Your Risk:

Stay away from areas during and immediately after herbicide application. Look for warning signs.
If you suspect drift, go indoors and close all windows.
Wash your skin and change your clothes after contact with a potentially treated area.
Advocate for non-toxic weed management policies in your local schools and parks.

To Document for a Potential Claim:

Photograph Everything: Take pictures of spray operations, warning signs, or any visible residue on your property.
Get Applicator Records: If possible, find out who applied the chemical and ask for their application records.
Gather Medical Records: Keep a complete file of any medical diagnosis and treatment you have received.
Find Witnesses: Talk to neighbors who may also have seen the spraying or have similar health concerns.

Legal Considerations for an Herbicide Lawsuit

Filing a claim for toxic exposure is complex but when handled by the experienced toxic herbicide team at Walch Law, some cases are worth millions. Key legal factors include:

Potential Defendants: A lawsuit can be filed against the chemical manufacturer (e.g., Bayer/Monsanto for Roundup, Syngenta for Paraquat), a commercial applicator, or the owner of the property where the exposure occurred.
Proving Causation: The biggest hurdle is legally and scientifically proving that the herbicide exposure was a substantial factor in causing your illness.
Statutes of Limitations: California has strict time limits for filing claims. It is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as you are diagnosed to protect your rights.

How Walch Law Fights for Los Angeles Victims

You should not have to fight a multi-billion dollar chemical company on your own while battling a serious illness. The dedicated product liability attorneys at Walch Law have the experience and resources to take on this fight for you. We will:

Provide a Free, Confidential Consultation: We will review your exposure history and medical diagnosis to provide a clear, honest assessment of your legal options.
Preserve Critical Evidence: We act fast to secure application records, interview witnesses, and gather the proof needed to build a powerful case.
Work with Leading Experts: We collaborate with top-tier toxicologists, oncologists, and neurologists to scientifically link your illness to the chemical exposure.
Fight for Maximum Compensation: We manage every step of the legal process, from filing the claim to negotiating a settlement that covers your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and you suspect it may be linked to herbicide exposure in Los Angeles, you deserve answers. Do not wait until it’s too late to act.

Contact the experienced attorneys at Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation case review. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the justice your family deserves.