In New Franklin, many exposure stories start the same way: a long stretch of routine yard maintenance, a landscaping or groundskeeping job, or noticing that herbicide was applied repeatedly during the growing season.
Common local scenarios include:
- Homeowners and renters using weed killers for driveways, fences lines, and property edges
- Neighborhood lawn services applying herbicides for curb appeal and weed control
- Secondhand exposure from residue carried on work boots, clothing, tools, or pickup trucks used for yard work
- People living near treated areas where overspray, wind drift, or freshly treated vegetation may have been present
In Ohio, seasonal schedules matter. Many families remember the timeframe in terms of mowing cycles, spring/early-summer applications, or when a specific illness began to appear after a period of heavier chemical use.


