Bahrain classifies VAPE as a TOBACCO product and applies 100% tax. Although vaping contains nicotine, is does not contain any tobacco.

Smoke is the result of combustion. When combustion occurs, new chemicals form through the process of oxidation. Smoke contains thousands of new chemicals different from those initially burned. Fire is what creates smoke. When you smoke a tobacco, a fire must be involved to create the smoke.

When a substance becomes gaseous, at a temperature that is lower than its point of combustion, it is considered vapor. The chemicals that are in vapor are the same as those found in the vaporized substance. Vaporizing something is what happens when you heat water on a stove. When water begins to boil, it creates vapor. While the vapor is in a different state, it still has the same chemical makeup as the liquid water.

The biggest takeaway is the fact that vaporizing does not create any new compounds. Vapor maintains the same compounds as the substance that created it.

The 2016 Royal College of Physicians (RCP) report “Nicotine Without Smoke” says that “robust evidence on the safety of long-term nicotine use in humans from the 5-year Lung Health Study, in which participants were actively encouraged to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for several months and many continued to consume NRT for a much longer period, demonstrates no association between sustained NRT use and the occurrence of cancer (lung, gastrointestinal or any cancer) or cardiovascular disease.”

Cancers from smoking are caused by the combustion of tobacco. The smoke forms a sticky chemical slurry called tar, and the tar coats delicate parts of the lungs. Over the course of years, the damage created by tar in the lungs can lead to tumor growth. According to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), most of the cancer-causing substances in cigarette smoke are in the tar. Tar also causes damage that can lead to lung diseases like emphysema and bronchitis.

E-cigarettes don’t produce tar, because they don’t burn (or even contain) tobacco or other plant material. There are known carcinogens in vapor, but they’re in tiny concentrations that are unlikely to pose any risk to vapers. Most studies that have raised alarms about cancer risk from vaping have used poor methods, including using smoking machines to take too-frequent or too-long drags, or vaping at unrealistic high temperatures on dry wicks. Those things wouldn’t happen to actual vapers, because the result — known as dry hits or dry puffs — is unbearable to breathe.

“In normal conditions of use, toxin levels in inhaled e-cigarette vapour are probably well below prescribed threshold limit values for occupational exposure, in which case significant long-term harm is unlikely,” says the RCP report. “Some harm from sustained exposure to low levels of toxins over many years may yet emerge, but the magnitude of these risks relative to those of sustained tobacco smoking is likely to be small.”

A recent study at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland found that the cancer danger of vaping is almost as low as for nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum — less than one percent. “This study should put to rest any doubt within the tobacco control movement about whether vaping greatly reduces health risk compared to smoking,” wrote Boston University’s Dr. Michael Siegel.

Smoking cigarettes causes about a third of all the heart disease deaths every year, according to the US Surgeon General. Those deaths come in the form of heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, aneurisms, sudden cardiac arrest, and several other kinds of cardiovascular events that can be caused by conditions in the body that are caused or made worse by smoking.

As with cancer, nicotine isn’t a primary cause of acute cardiovascular events. The US Surgeon General’s 2014 report says that “international epidemiologic evidence, and data from clinical trials of nicotine patches, suggests that chemical components in smoke other than nicotine are more important in elevating the risk of death from MI [myocardial infarction — heart attacks] and stroke.”

By and large, it’s the other things in smoke that cause heart disease and death. Oxidant chemicals, free radicals, particulates, and carbon monoxide all damage the heart and circulatory system in many ways, according to the CDC.

Smoking can raise triglycerides and lower the HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and increase the buildup of plaque (from fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances) in blood vessels. It can also thicken and constrict the vessels, and damage the cells that line them. It reduces oxygen in the blood and makes it sticky and more prone to clot. And when blood clots, it can block the flow to the heart and brain, causing heart attacks and stroke.

And perhaps the most dangerous constituent of cigarette smoke with regard to cardiovascular health — carbon monoxide — is not found in e-cig vapor at all.

There has been no research to date showing any provable cardiovascular danger from vaping.

For many smokers, taking up vaping works immediately — whether coming from cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or even hookah. For others though, it can take months to finally say goodbye to combustion. And for some, it never happens. If you’re a smoker who wants to quit, there are options that will work for you — if you choose to make some effort to find them. But there’s no longer a reason to say that “vaping doesn’t work.” Because it really can. And there’s no question now about whether vaping is safer than smoking.

Let us raise awareness, not only in Bahrain but the rest of the world, that Vaping is not Tobacco and should not be classified as such. Vaping can save lives by helping smokers stop tobacco use.

After a court extended Bahrain Centre for Human Rights president Nabeel Rajab’s detention in connection with some tweets for another three weeks yesterday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reiterates its condemnation of Bahrain’s constant obstruction of freedom of information and its repeated harassment of journalists and bloggers.

Arrested at his home on 13 June, Rajab was transferred to a military hospital with cardiac problems on 28 June after two weeks in solitary confinement. According to Bahraini human rights NGOs, he was examined by a doctor and was then returned to West Riffa police station for further custody.

He is facing up to 13 years in prison on charges of “spreading false rumours in time of war,” “insulting public authorities,” and “insulting a neighbouring country” in a series of tweets last year about Jaw prison in Yemen. At yesterday’s hearing, the first since his arrest, the court adjourned his trial until 2 August, extending his detention until then.

“It is outrageous that the Bahraini authorities are holding a human rights defender and are subjecting him to appalling prison conditions just because he used Twitter to provide information.” RSF said. “We call on them to free Nabeel Rajab and to withdraw all the charges against him.”

A major international campaign is under way for the Bahraini authorities to abandon the proceedings against Rajab. RSF joined 25 other international NGOs in signing an open letter calling for his release.

A resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 7 July called for “the immediate and unconditional release of Nabeel Rajab and other human rights defenders jailed on allegations relating to their rights to free expression, assembly, and association, and for all charges against them to be dropped.”

Accused of giving SIM cards to “terrorist” demonstrators and taking photos of anti-government protests, Mousawi was finally convicted yesterday in a trial that began nearly a year ago and had repeatedly been postponed since February. His lawyer said he would appeal against his conviction.

“The threats and intimidation campaigns against professional journalists and citizen journalists have just one aim – to use ‘terrorism’ as a pretext for suppressing all criticism of an authoritarian regime,” said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Middle East desk.

“It is outrageous that a journalist has been treated like a terrorist. Arbitrary arrests of peaceful dissidents, systematic torture and impunity have turned Bahrain into a dangerous country for those who speak out. We condemn Mousawi’s arbitrary detention and call on the authorities to overturn his conviction.”

Many Bahrainis have been stripped of their citizenship this year. Those targeted include not only government opponents and Islamic State members but also doctors and journalists.

The recipient of many international awards, Mousawi was arrested without a warrant at his home in the town of Diraz on 10 February 2014, when police confiscated his camera and other electronic apparatus.

His trial did not begin until December 2014 and, according to his family, he was repeatedly tortured in detention, especially during interrogation at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department.

A total of eight journalists and five citizen-journalists are currently detained in Bahrain, according to a Reporters Without Borders tally.

The trial of the leading satirical blogger known as Takrooz is scheduled to being on 25 November. Arrested on 18 June 2014 at Manama airport, he is charged with inciting anti-government hatred and using expressions liable to incite sectarianism.

The appeal of Ali Al-Mearaj, a blogger held since 6 January 2014, is due to be heard on 1 December. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison on 8 April 2014 on charges of “misusing information technology” and insulting the king in connection with his management of an opposition website.

Bahrain is ranked 115th out of 180 countries in the 2015 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

Twenty-one human rights organisations reiterate their call for his release in a joint statement published today. The NGOs ‘voice our solidarity with Dr al-Singace’s continued protest andcall on the United Kingdom and all European Union member states, the United States and the United Nations to raise his case, and the cases of all prisoners of conscience, with Bahrain, both publicly and privately.’ They call for his immediate and unconditional release.

Prison authorities appear to have finally begun to take notice of the international attention his case is attracting. Dr al-Singace recently received treatment for a nose injury he suffered during his torture in 2011. He had waited over four years to receive such treatment.

However, Dr al-Singace’s condition remains critical. He suffered damage to his ear as a result of torture, but has not received adequate medical attention for this injury. His family states that he is often dizzy, his hair is falling out, and that he is ‘on the verge of collapse.’

In the prison clinic, Dr al-Singace is not allowed to leave the building and is effectively held in solitary confinement. Though the clinic staff tends to him, he is not allowed to interact with other prison inmates and his visitation times are irregular. Authorities have now lifted an unofficial ban on Dr al-Singace receiving writing and reading materials, but access is still limited: prison staff have now given him a pen, but have still not allowed him access to any paper. The government has also denied Dr al-Singace permission to receive magazines sent to him in an English PEN-led campaign, despite promising to allow him to do so. He has no ready access to television, radio or print media.

Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, Director of Advocacy, Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy:

Dr al-Singace’s puts his life at risk for his belief in a torture-free and democratic Bahrain. To support democracy and reform in Bahrain, the United Kingdom and United States must call for Dr al-Singace’s immediate release.

Cat Lucas, Writers at Risk Programme Manager, English PEN:

We’re pleased and relieved that the prison authorities seem to be taking notice of the growing international support for Dr Al-Singace, having finally allowed him medical treatment and access to a pen in recent weeks. However, there is still a long way to go and the UK government has a crucial role to play. We urge them to join our call for justice for the many writers and activists detained in Bahrain.

You can add your signature to letter through this petition.

Sign and share widely! Thanks!

All the people of Bahrain demonstrated for dignity, democracy and a true genuine constitutional monarchy, but goverment of Bahrain with the Peninsula Sheild that had crossed the causeway from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bahrain attacked the demonstrators, and the martial law began in March 2011.

More than 70 Martyers, some were tortured to death in custody, hundreds were arrested and convedted at the military court, thousands sacked and suspended.

Although Bahrain Invistigatry Committee of Inquiry (BICI) submitted its final report in November 2011, but till now the goverment has failed to implement all the recommendations of the report.

Three medical workers are currently in prison in Bahrain following the uprising in early 2011. They are Mr Ahmed Almushatat (a pharmacist), Mr Hassan Matooq (a nurse) and Mr Younis Ashoori (a hospital administrator). All were convicted at military trials and are reported to have been subjected to torture.

There are particular grave concerns over the health of Younis Ashoori, age 60, who suffers from a number of medical conditions and deteriorating health.

'Doctors In Chains' received this testimony from a family member following a recent court hearing where he spoke of his treatment in prison:

'Younis also said that as a result of torture, once he started urinating blood, he was taken to the BDF (Bahrain Defense Force) military hospital. The Doctor there asked him: “Where does it hurt you the most?” Younis replied: “My kidney”. Then the Doctor punched him on the kidney. Everybody in the courtroom was disturbed when they heard this'

You may read more about the 3 cases here:
http://www.doctorsinchains.org/?page_id=770

Please help promote this petition and free these three good men who do not deserve to spend a single day more in prison.

People flock to Amwaj because it is one of the safest places to have this family time in all of Bahrain. When new comers are house hunting on Amwaj they see the pedestrians enjoying life outside during all hours of the day and want to be a part of it too. Then they make the move to Amwaj and take their first family walk, run, or ride only to find that they are faced with cars speeding past at break neck speeds.

Mothers rush to secure their little ones walking and father struggle to get jogging stroller up onto curbs with no ramps. These reckless drivers are dangerous enough to drivers going the speed limit, but pose a deadly threat to the numerous pedestrians who are trying to enjoy the beautiful outdoors that Amwaj intended to capture.

We are sick of being scared, we are sick of wondering if our family outings will result in the death of our loved ones. Additionally we are sick of these reckless drivers speeding past our cars, nearly side swiping us, weaving in and out of cars, and ultimately driving like they are at the BIC, with no regard to other drivers but just trying to save 5 minutes on the ride home.

Help Free:Arrested at City Centre Mall on 23/9/11 Aqeela Al Magabi, Layla Abdulla Khadim, her Daughter Fatima 16yrs, Monera Dehaim, Zainab Dehaim, Huda Dehaim, Ebtisam Dheaim, Zainab Salman, Nada Alqayem, Fatima A Aljahil, Fatima A Ajalil Aljishi, Khadeja A Nasser Hebail.

Fadheela Al Mubarak Arrested 15/3/11 from a check point for listening to music of her choice!!

The picture at the top of this page is one of Women Thrown to the ground like Animals, handcuffed, beaten, tortured & then Jailed, the women are all named above & Remain in Jail Today.

Ashwaq suffers from Sickle Cell Amnemia & had to be released from Jail to be treated in Salmaniya hospital, on discharge the staff rang MOI and the police came and put her back in jail, less than 24 hrs later, Ashwaq is been treated again for her illness in hospital in Bahrain.

UpDate; 2/01/12 Ashwaq Remains in Hospital, in a stable condition again after a blood transfusion today. The stress of knowing that she has to go back to Jail when released from hospital is not helping with her recovery, also knowing her sister Aqeela & her Cousin & 11 other Women Remain in Jail is impacting on Ashwaq health.