Rush-hour traffic was disrupted across Bahrain yesterday (March 12) as masked youths went on the rampage burning tyres and blocking roads.

Motorists in Sitra, Shahrakan, Sehla, Saar, A'ali and Sanabis were affected as protesters took to the streets at around 7am, chanting anti-government slogans.

Many carried banners saying 'Freedom or Martyrdom', stating they were part of an anonymous online group calling itself the Coalition of February 14 Youth Revolution.

Police were repeatedly attacked with Molotov cocktails in Dair. There were also clashes in Eker and tyres burnt in Jidhafs, Adhari and Saar at about 4pm.

The disruption prompted a fresh warning from environmental expert Rehan Ahmed about the health effects of burning tyres, which can range from headaches, dizziness and breathing difficulties to respiratory infections, liver and kidney damage and cancer.

"The young, sick and elders with respiratory ailments and asthma are the worst affected," said the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife environmental control directorate waste disposal unit head.

"People with ailments like asthma and emphysema are especially sensitive to the toxic compounds produced by burning household waste. Depending on the length and degree of exposure, people can suffer irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, respiratory effects, central nervous system depression and cancer.

"Even in congested localities, highrise buildings, smoke travels easily through neighbourhoods affecting all that inhale it and having far-reaching health impacts.

"Smoke released at ground level means pollution can directly affect the health of those conducting the burning, their families, neighbours and passers-by." – TradeArabia News Service