Flicked e-cigarette cartridges puncturing car tires

ERJ staff report (TP)

Bay City, Michigan − Smoking e-cigarettes might be better for your health, but it could be a lot worse for your tires if what’s happening in Bay City is any indication, reported Evan Bleier for United Press International.

E-cigarettes consist of two parts − the battery piece ignites the nicotine in a disposable cartridge. Once the cartridge is used up, many people are simply tossing the metallic magazines out onto the road.

"We have seen usually one or two a week puncturing the tire," Tony Dewildt, manager of Bay City's Belle Tire, said. "They're all made out of metal, so when they slash a tire, they usually leave a pretty big gash in it.”

The gash caused by puncture is typically not repairable, leaving individuals who get burned by e-cigarette cartridges with few choices other than to buy a new tire.

Cary Lee, who owns A Clean Cigarette in Michigan, admits the waste that e-cigarettes leave behind is becoming a problem. "There's no good way to get rid of it, so that's one of the negatives of our product right there.”

Wyatt Stepp, a local resident who used to smoke three packs a day before converting to e-cigarettes hopes the e-litter doesn’t give the devices a bad rap.

"It's a great product. It's going to let me live longer. I'm breathing better," said Stepp. "Throw them in a trash can. It doesn't take 30 seconds longer to throw them in the trash can.”

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Full story from United Press International