Tear gas used before protests began in France

On October 17, 2026, tear gas was deployed in Paris and other French cities during demonstrations, with reports indicating its use before the protests had even begun. The Orchestra of the New World, which performs during demonstrations, was forced to stop its concert due to tear gas exposure.

Tear gas exposure in schools and public transport

Testimonies describe the use of tear gas without warning near high schools and in confined spaces like the metro. Amnesty International has condemned the mass and sometimes abusive use of tear gas since the beginning of the student movement. Social media is being used to share advice on how to protect oneself from tear gas and to report health effects.

Tear gas history and health risks

Tear gas, classified as a chemical weapon, is prohibited in a military context by the 1993 Geneva Convention but is permitted in civil contexts as a "non-lethal" tool. It was first used by France during World War I and later in colonial empires and during the Vietnam War. The tear gas used in France is CS (2-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile), invented by British chemists in 1928.

Health impacts of tear gas exposure

According to a 2017 review of scientific literature, persistent irritations, conjunctivitis, and respiratory problems are listed as potential long-term effects. The study found that 8.7% of the 9,000 injuries analyzed required specialized medical intervention. Amnesty International has recorded more than 500 cases of abusive use of tear gas, including in France.

Vulnerable groups and long-term health risks

Younger and older individuals are particularly at risk for respiratory problems from prolonged exposure. A 2023 Chilean study found an increase in emergency room visits by children and elderly people for respiratory issues during the 2018-2019 riots. Jean-Marc Sapori, a toxicologist, warned that repeated exposure could lead to asthma or COPD. A 2025 dermatology literature review found that 5% of cases involved severe skin injuries such as blisters and bullous dermatoses.

Tear gas and reproductive health effects

Testimonies from demonstrators have reported menstrual cycle disruptions, including delayed or advanced periods and painful endometriosis crises. The collective Lacrymos de sang has collected over 750 such testimonies. A 2021 study found that 54.5% of 1,650 people exposed to tear gas during the George Floyd protests reported menstrual cycle disruptions or breast sensitivity.

Tear gas linked to deaths and miscarriages

The use of tear gas has also been linked to deaths. In Bahrain, an asthmatic man died after a CS grenade was fired into his home in 2012. In Egypt, 37 detainees died of suffocation after tear gas grenades were fired into a truck in 2014. In Palestine, reports indicate deaths from tear gas exposure. Rohini J Haar, a researcher at the University of Berkeley, noted an increased risk of miscarriage, with ten out of nineteen pregnant participants experiencing miscarriages.

Health recommendations and ongoing research

Physicians for Human Rights recommends moving away from tear gas clouds, avoiding running, rinsing eyes with water, changing clothes, and showering as soon as possible. They also warn that CS powder can remain active for up to five days. Some experts, such as Rohini Haar, have raised concerns about the release of cyanide groups when tear gas is metabolized, which could have long-term health impacts. The government claims that the doses released remain below toxicity thresholds, but some researchers disagree.