Is Your NHL Linked to Roundup Exposure?

Receiving a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a life-changing event that brings a wave of questions, fears, and uncertainty. As you and your family begin to navigate treatment options and the road ahead, another critical question may arise: What caused this? For thousands of individuals, the answer may lie in a product found in countless farms, gardens, and commercial properties across the country: Roundup.

For years, a growing body of scientific evidence has pointed to a disturbing link between glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, and an increased risk of developing NHL. The manufacturer, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), has faced thousands of lawsuits from individuals who claim their cancer was a direct result of exposure to this widely used herbicide.

But how can you know if your specific case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is connected to Roundup? Establishing this link is the cornerstone of a successful legal claim. At Walch Law, we help victims answer this difficult question every day. This guide will walk you through the key factors that medical and legal experts use to determine if your NHL is linked to Roundup exposure, so you can take the first step toward seeking justice.

Understanding the connection starts with the science. The primary concern revolves around glyphosate, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015.

The IARC's conclusion was based on strong evidence that glyphosate causes a specific type of DNA damage known as oxidative stress. This process creates unstable molecules in the body that can damage cells, leading to mutations that may eventually result in cancer. The IARC found a particularly strong association between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

While Bayer continues to dispute these findings, juries across the country have been convinced by the scientific evidence presented in court. They have awarded billions of dollars to plaintiffs who successfully demonstrated that their NHL was more likely than not caused by their exposure to Roundup. This legal precedent provides a powerful foundation for new claims.

The single most important factor in linking NHL to Roundup is establishing a significant history of exposure. This isn't about a one-time use; it's about a pattern of repeated contact over months or years. Your legal and medical team will conduct a thorough investigation into your work and personal history to build a detailed timeline of your exposure.

Certain occupations and activities carry a much higher risk of prolonged and heavy exposure. If you fall into one of these categories, you may have a strong case.

• Farmworkers and Agricultural Laborers: This group faces the highest risk. Farmworkers often mix and spray industrial quantities of Roundup from large tanks or backpack sprayers for hours at a time, season after season. Exposure occurs through direct skin contact, inhalation of spray drift, and handling contaminated equipment, often with inadequate protective gear.
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Professionals who maintain lawns, parks, golf courses, school grounds, and other large properties frequently rely on Roundup for weed control. Their regular, long-term use constitutes significant occupational exposure.
• Nursery and Garden Center Employees: Workers who handle or work around Roundup-treated plants or soil in commercial nurseries are also at risk of consistent exposure.
• Avid Home Gardeners: While a casual user may have less exposure, dedicated home gardeners who used Roundup regularly for many years to maintain large yards or gardens could still accumulate a significant cumulative dose of glyphosate.

Documenting your history is a critical step. Even if you don't have perfect records, your memory is a powerful tool. Your attorney will help you reconstruct a detailed history by asking questions like:

• When did you start using Roundup? For how many years did you use it?
• How frequently did you use it? (e.g., daily, weekly, seasonally)
• What type of equipment did you use? (e.g., handheld sprayer, backpack sprayer, tractor-mounted sprayer)
• Did you mix the concentrated chemical yourself?
• What protective gear, if any, did you use? (e.g., gloves, long sleeves, respirator)
• Where did you work? A list of farms, landscaping companies, or properties.
• Are there any witnesses? Coworkers, supervisors, or family members who can confirm your use of the product.

Even without receipts or employment records, a detailed and consistent personal history, supported by witnesses, can build a compelling case.

Your medical records are the second pillar of your claim. A clear diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is required, but your attorney will also work with medical experts to analyze the specifics of your condition.

Part of building a strong case involves a process of elimination. The defense will often try to blame a plaintiff's cancer on other risk factors. Common risk factors for NHL include a weakened immune system (from HIV or immunosuppressant drugs), certain infections, or a family history of the disease.

Your legal team will work with oncologists and other medical specialists to carefully review your medical history. If you have no other significant risk factors for NHL, but you do have a substantial history of Roundup exposure, the argument that the herbicide was the primary cause becomes much stronger. This is known as differential diagnosis, a method used by doctors to identify the most likely cause of an illness among several possibilities.

The "latency period" refers to the time between your first exposure to a carcinogen and the diagnosis of cancer. For many cancers, this period can be years or even decades. A latency period that aligns with scientific expectations can strengthen your claim. For NHL linked to glyphosate, a diagnosis that occurs 10, 15, or even 20 years after significant exposure began is consistent with the evidence presented in other successful lawsuits. An attorney and medical expert can evaluate whether the timeline of your exposure and diagnosis fits the established pattern.

Connecting the dots between a cancer diagnosis and a chemical exposure is not something you can do alone. It requires a team of experienced legal and scientific professionals who specialize in toxic tort litigation.

An experienced Roundup lawsuit attorney at Walch Law will be your primary advocate. Our role goes far beyond filing paperwork. We will:

• Provide a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation: We will listen to your story, analyze your exposure history, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options.
• Gather All Necessary Evidence: We will help you reconstruct your work history, obtain all relevant medical records, and identify witnesses to support your claim.
• Hire World-Class Experts: We work with leading oncologists, toxicologists, and epidemiologists who can provide expert testimony to establish the link between your Roundup exposure and your NHL diagnosis in court.
• Handle the Entire Legal Process: We will manage all communications with the defendant's lawyers, navigate the complex court procedures, and build the strongest case possible, allowing you to focus on your health.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and you suspect Roundup exposure is to blame, do not delay. State laws known as statutes of limitations place strict time limits on your right to file a lawsuit.

The first step is to speak with a legal team that understands the science and has the resources to fight a corporate giant like Bayer. Contact Walch Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you investigate the cause of your illness and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and profound pain and suffering.