The hidden dangers of grill brushes
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Every year, emergency rooms report cases where tiny wire bristles break off from these brushes and end up in grilled food, leading to serious injuries and even life-threatening complications if ingested. A study published in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery estimated that 1,700 people visited the emergency room due to wire grill brush injuries between 2002 and 2014. This hidden danger can cause severe gastrointestinal perforations, turning a family barbeque into a life-threatening ordeal. To ensure a safe grilling experience, opt for safer cleaning alternatives like nylon brushes or onion halves, and inspect your grill thoroughly before cooking.
Source
Baugh TP, Hadley JB, Chang CWD. Epidemiology of Wire-Bristle Grill Brush Injury in the United States, 2002-2014. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;154(4):645-649. doi:10.1177/0194599815627794
Additional Reading
https://www.today.com/health/pediatric-er-doctor-warns-danger-wire-grill-brushes-rcna84124
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/dangers-of-wire-grill-brushes/