What Is Roundup Spray Drift and Can It Make You Sick?

You take care to create a safe environment for your family. But what happens when chemicals used on a neighboring property don’t stay where they are supposed to? This phenomenon, known as spray drift, is a serious concern across California, especially with widely used herbicides like Roundup. When wind carries these chemicals into your yard, onto a school playground, or through an open window, it can lead to unintended exposure and legitimate health worries.

Many Californians living near farms, golf courses, or even just neighbors with avid landscaping habits are asking: Can I get sick from Roundup spray drift? At Walch Law, we help families who have been harmed by the negligence of others. This guide explains what spray drift is, the potential health concerns, and the steps you can take to protect your family and your legal rights.

How Does Roundup Spray Drift Happen?

Spray drift is the unintentional, off-target movement of pesticide or herbicide droplets through the air at the time of application. Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it’s designed to kill nearly any plant it touches. When it drifts, it can damage property and lead to human exposure.

Drift can happen in any setting where herbicides are used, from large agricultural fields to residential landscaping. Several factors contribute to it:

Wind Speed and Direction: This is the most obvious cause. Applying herbicides on a windy day is a recipe for drift.
Temperature Inversion: On cool, calm evenings, a layer of warm air can trap a layer of cool air near the ground. This prevents spray droplets from dispersing, allowing them to concentrate and travel long distances in a suspended cloud.
Nozzle Type and Droplet Size: Smaller droplets are lighter and more likely to be carried by the wind. Improper nozzle selection or high sprayer pressure can create a fine mist that is highly susceptible to drift.
Application Method: Aerial applications by plane or helicopter have a high potential for drift. Ground applications with boom sprayers on tractors or even handheld sprayers can also cause drift if used improperly.

Common settings for spray drift exposure in California include homes near farms, vineyards, orchards, golf courses, parks, schools, and utility rights-of-way.

Potential Health Concerns and Symptoms

The health effects of glyphosate are at the center of ongoing scientific debate and major litigation. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Roundup’s manufacturer by individuals—many of them groundskeepers and farmworkers—who developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) after years of chronic exposure.

While a direct causal link in every case is debated, major court verdicts have sided with plaintiffs, finding that long-term exposure to Roundup was a substantial factor in causing their cancer. For families concerned about spray drift, it’s important to distinguish between different types of exposure and symptoms.

Acute Exposure Symptoms

This refers to a single, direct exposure to drift. If you or your child are outside when drift occurs, you might experience immediate or short-term symptoms. This is a form of poisoning, and a medical professional should be consulted. Symptoms can include:

Skin irritation, rash, or burns
Eye and throat irritation
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Dizziness or headaches

Chronic Exposure Concerns

This involves repeated, lower-level exposures over months or years. If you live next to a property that is sprayed regularly, you may be experiencing chronic exposure. This is the type of exposure linked to the serious illnesses discussed in the Roundup litigation, such as NHL. A medical diagnosis is essential to determine the cause of any long-term health condition.

What to Do After a Suspected Spray Drift Incident

If you see, smell, or feel spray drifting onto your property, act quickly to minimize exposure and document the event.

Leave the Area: Immediately go inside and bring children and pets with you. Close all windows and doors.
Wash and Change: Remove any clothing that may have been contaminated. Wash your skin and your children’s skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Bag Contaminated Items: Place contaminated clothing in a separate bag or hamper.
Document Everything: Note the exact date, time, and weather conditions (wind speed/direction). Did you notice any odors? Can you see who was doing the spraying?
Take Photos/Videos: If you can do so safely, take pictures or videos of the spraying operation, the drifting cloud, and any residue left on your plants, car, or home.
Seek Medical Advice: Contact your doctor or the California Poison Control System (1-800-222-1222). Explain what happened and report any symptoms, even if they seem minor.

Building a Legal Claim: Documentation is Key

Pursuing a legal claim for damages caused by spray drift requires strong evidence. The burden of proof is on you to show that the exposure occurred and that it caused harm. An attorney can help you collect the necessary proof, which may include:

Applicator Records: Landscaping companies and agricultural operators are often required to keep records of what they sprayed, when, and where.
Official Complaints: Filing a report with your county’s Agricultural Commissioner creates an official record of the incident.
Weather Data: Historical weather reports can confirm the wind conditions at the time of the drift.
Photos and Witness Statements: Your own documentation and statements from neighbors can be powerful evidence.
Medical Records: A complete medical history is essential to link any health conditions to the chemical exposure.

Legal Considerations in a Roundup Spray Drift Case

These claims are complex and involve multiple potential defendants.

Potential Defendants: Depending on the situation, liability could fall on the herbicide manufacturer (Bayer), the commercial applicator (a landscaping or crop-dusting company), the grower or farmer who hired them, or even a public entity if the spraying occurred on public land.
Proving Causation: The greatest legal challenge is proving that the chemical drift was a substantial factor in causing a specific injury or illness. This requires deep analysis of medical records and testimony from qualified scientific and medical experts.
Statutes of Limitations: California has strict deadlines for filing personal injury and property damage claims. For claims against government entities, the deadlines are even shorter. It is critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How Walch Law Can Help Your Family With A California Roundup Lawsuit

No family should have to worry that the air in their own backyard is unsafe. If you believe your family’s health or property has been compromised by Roundup spray drift, you need an advocate who understands the science and the law.

The team at Walch Law is here to help you navigate this difficult situation. We will:

Provide a Free Consultation: We listen to your story and give you an honest assessment of your legal options.
Preserve Evidence: We move quickly to secure application records, interview witnesses, and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
Coordinate with Experts: We work with a network of toxicologists, medical experts, and environmental scientists to help prove your case.
Fight for You: We handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing claims to negotiating with corporations and their insurance companies, so you can focus on your family’s health.

Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation

You have a right to be safe on your own property. If you’ve been affected by herbicide drift, don’t wait to get the answers and support you deserve. Contact the compassionate attorneys at Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.