California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Ways You Can Be Exposed to Roundup
Roundup is one of the most widely used herbicides on the planet, found everywhere from massive commercial farms to residential garden sheds. While its manufacturer long promoted it as safe, thousands of lawsuits have linked its active ingredient, glyphosate, to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other serious health issues. A critical part of any Roundup lawsuit is proving exposure, but many people mistakenly believe that only those who directly sprayed the chemical are at risk.
The reality is that exposure can occur through numerous, often invisible, pathways. Understanding these different routes is essential for anyone who suspects a link between their illness and this pervasive weedkiller. Whatever your exposure, Walch Law is here to help get you the compensation you deserve with a winning Roundup Lawsuit. Call now to learn more.
1.) Direct Application
This is the most obvious form of exposure and carries the highest risk. Individuals who mix, load, or spray Roundup are at risk of significant contact. This group primarily includes:
- Agricultural Workers: Farmworkers who apply herbicides to vast fields.
- Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Professionals who maintain parks, golf courses, and commercial properties.
- Home Gardeners: Anyone who regularly uses Roundup for weed control in their own yard.
During direct application, exposure happens through skin contact (dermal exposure) from spills or splashes, and through inhalation of the chemical mist. Without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and respirators, these individuals can absorb significant amounts of glyphosate directly into their bodies.
2.)Spray Drift
You don’t have to be the one spraying Roundup to be exposed. Spray drift occurs when wind carries the chemical particles away from the target area. This airborne mist can travel considerable distances, settling on neighboring properties, playgrounds, and homes.
People living near large farms, golf courses, or railroad tracks where Roundup is heavily used are at high risk of exposure through drift. You can unknowingly inhale these particles or absorb them through your skin simply by spending time outdoors.
3.) Contaminated Soil and Water
Glyphosate does not always break down quickly. It can linger in the soil for months, and subsequent rainfall can wash it into local water sources. This creates several secondary exposure pathways:
- Contaminated Soil: Children playing in a yard or a community garden with treated soil can be exposed through skin contact.
- Contaminated Water: If Roundup leaches into groundwater or runs off into wells, streams, or reservoirs, it can contaminate drinking water, exposing entire communities.
4.) Residue on Food and Plants
Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide, meaning it is absorbed by the plant. This leaves chemical residues on the crops that are later harvested. While the FDA sets tolerance levels for glyphosate on food, concerns remain about the cumulative effect of consuming small amounts over many years.
Additionally, walking through a recently treated field or garden can lead to exposure as the chemical residue transfers from the plants onto your skin and clothing.
Why Understanding Roundup Exposure Matters
If you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and have a history of potential contact with Roundup, identifying your exposure pathway is a critical first step in a potential legal claim. Even if you never personally sprayed the product, living near a high-use area or working in a contaminated environment could be the basis for a successful lawsuit. Finding the best Roundup law firm for you is essential at this time. At Walch Law, we know how to make the necessary connections for your exposure to illness to the use of Roundup and will work hard to get you the maximum compensation. We take all our Roundup cases on a contingency fee basis so you pay us nothing for top notch legal representation. Call now to setup your obligation-free consultation with Robert and Gary Walch today.