# ‘10 times more painful’: Menstrual disorders fuel calls to ban tear gas at French protests

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/10-times-more-painful-menstrual-disorders-fuel-calls-to-ban-tear-gas-at-french-protests/
- Published: 2026-11-08T11:53:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T13:39:37+00:00
- Original publisher: France 24 (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20261108-abnormal-menstraution-periods-fuel-calls-ban-tear-gas-french-protests-police
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- French campaigners want tear gas use at protests scrutinised and restricted.
- Reports link exposure to disrupted cycles and painful periods.
- Police fired 22,000 canisters on 17 October.

## Summary

French activists and health workers are urging closer scrutiny of tear gas used by police at protests, including calls to ban it, after reports linked exposure to disrupted menstrual cycles and acutely painful periods. They argue that the weapon is not harmless, and that its effects on reproductive health need more research.

Police fired 22,000 canisters on 17 October during protests over conditions in schools and the cost-of-living crisis. The article also cites serious injuries, allegations that gas was fired without warning in confined areas, and an investigation into the death of a 59-year-old man whose family blamed exposure. Amnesty International has documented more than 500 cases of tear-gas misuse worldwide since 2018, while UN guidance warns that large doses can cause severe internal harm.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.