The link between CS gas exposure and menstrual cycle issues among female Yellow Vest protesters in France

Abstract

CS teargas is one of the most used tools for crowd-control worldwide. Exposure to CS teargas is known to have consequences on protesters health (i.e. eye, skin irritation, respiratory problems), but recent concerns have been raised over its potential gender-specific effects. Indeed, field and clinical observations report cases of menstrual cycle issues among female protesters following high exposure to teargas. The hypothesis of a link between teargas exposure and menstrual cycle issues is plausible from a physiological standpoint, but has not yet been empirically investigated. Using data from a cross-sectional study on Yellow Vests protesters health in France, we examined the relationship between exposure to teargas and menstrual cycle issues among female protesters (n = 145). Analyses suggested a positive link between exposure and menstrual cycle perturbations. These results constitute first and preliminary evidence that CS teargas may be linked with menstrual cycle among women, which need corroboration given the importance of this issue. We call for further research on the potential effects of CS teargas on womens reproductive system.