Golf course maintenance often requires using pesticides and herbicides to control pests and weeds. Therefore, groundskeepers could be exposed to hazardous substances that could cause life-threatening and catastrophic conditions. Our Roundup lawsuit attorneys at Wool Trial Law, LLC explain the concerns of groundskeepers in this blog and what you should do if you have been diagnosed with cancer after working in golf course maintenance.
A Groundskeeper Won the First Roundup Lawsuit Tried in Court
A groundskeeper for a school system in California was the first person to successfully sue the makers of Roundup because he contracted terminal cancer after being exposed to glyphosate in Roundup. DeWayne Johnson claimed that as a groundskeeper, he applied Roundup 20 to 30 times per year over three years. He also had two accidents that resulted in him being soaked in Roundup.
The jury awarded the groundskeeper $289 million in damages. The jurors found that the manufacturer, Monsanto, knew or should have known about the dangers of glyphosate.
More Roundup Lawsuits Filed Alleging Roundup Exposure Causes Cancer
Since that time, over 100,000 Roundup lawsuits have been filed by individuals who have developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other related cancers after being exposed to Roundup. Bayer, who purchased Monsanto, continues to deny that glyphosate is dangerous or causes cancer. They base that belief largely on the U.S. EPA’s findings that glyphosate would not likely be carcinogenic to humans.
However, numerous studies have concluded that glyphosate is carcinogenic to humans. In 2015, the IARC of the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans. Recent studies have also found that glyphosate increases the risk of cancer. A study from the University of Washington found that exposure to glyphosate increased the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by 41 percent.
Golf Course Groundskeepers Need to Be Educated on the Risks of Roundup and the Warning Signs of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Many groundskeepers at golf courses may not be adequately informed about the risks of using glyphosate-based products. Safety protocols may be lacking, which could increase the risk of toxic exposure to Roundup. Groundskeepers and other workers could have a higher risk of significant exposure to glyphosate if they are not using procedures to reduce exposure when using the chemical to treat golf courses.
Because of the risks of developing cancer, if exposed to glyphosate, groundskeepers need to be aware of the symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that golf course groundskeepers who work with Roundup should be aware of include:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, and groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen
- Night sweats
If groundskeepers have signs of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or adverse symptoms, they should seek immediate medical treatment. If they were exposed to Roundup, they should also seek legal advice about a potential legal claim for damages.
Call Now to Learn More from Our Roundup Lawsuit Attorneys
If you were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or a related cancer, call Wool Trial Law, LLC, to talk with an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your economic damages and non-economic damages. However, the time to file a claim will expire, so act now.