Tear gas and menstrual symptoms linked

Testimonies from demonstrators exposed to tear gas during recent high school protests describe severe menstrual pain, irregular cycles, and other reproductive health issues, raising concerns about potential health effects.

Collective gathers personal accounts

A collective called Lacrymo de sang, founded by Eva-Luna Tholance, has collected over 750 testimonials in ten days, highlighting the physical effects reported by those exposed to tear gas during the October demonstrations.

Symptoms include pain and bleeding

Many testimonies mention intense menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and even miscarriages, though no definitive causal link has been established between these symptoms and tear gas exposure.

Study on tear gas and reproductive health

A study published in Frontiers in Epidemiology found that 83% of people exposed to tear gas during Black Lives Matter protests reported at least one unusual reproductive system symptom, including cramps and irregular periods.

Hormone treatment increases risk

The study also found that individuals on hormone treatment had a 37% higher risk of reporting reproductive symptoms after tear gas exposure, suggesting a possible link between hormonal factors and the effects of tear gas.