Brisket — if you’ll risk it.
You probably know the major dangers of summer grilling. There’s the potential for smoke inhalation, eye injuries, burns and grease fires.
There’s also a hidden health hazard that can significantly increase the likelihood of injury, turning a barbecue into an emergency rescue. Wire cleaning brushes — particularly those that are old or worn — can be perilous when they shed bristles that later end up in food.
An estimated 130 people visit the ER each year after unwittingly consuming this debris. It’s such a concern that New York lawmakers are considering a ban on the sale and use of wire grill brushes.
“The worst possible consequence of accidentally swallowing a wire bristle is developing an abscess (serious infection) and/or perforation of the intestine, which can lead to death,” Dr. Tonia Farmer, an ear, nose and throat surgeon based in Ohio, told The Post.
Don’t flip out — Farmer reveals how to have a safe, well-done BBQ and prevent a brush with death.
How wire grill brushes can be harmful
Farmer said that bristles stuck to meat during cooking often land in the tissues in the mouth or throat.
She’s seen them lodged in the back of the tongue and the tonsils.
They can also reach the walls of intestines, potentially leading to swelling and infection.
A serious infection, known as an abdominal abscess, can cause a tear in the wall of the intestine.
This hole allows intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, paving the way for severe inflammation and a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.
What to do if you swallow a bristle
A person who accidentally ingests a bristle may feel like something is stuck in their throat with each swallow.
Common symptoms include throat pain, spots of blood in the saliva and throat swelling.
Farmer advises a trip to the ER right away.
“Don’t try to swallow more food (like bread) or liquids to dislodge it,” she said. “This may cause more damage to the throat.”
Sometimes there are no immediate symptoms because the wires are so thin.
Someone may have unexplained stomach pain because the bristle has traveled to the intestine. Special X-rays may be needed to identify the problem.
“It can be very difficult to find embedded wire bristles,” Farmer said. “It’s literally like swallowing and trying to find a needle in a haystack.”
In January, physicians in Denmark described the case of a 51-year-old woman who visited the hospital after two days of left-sided stomach pain.
A special look at her abdominal organs revealed a wire bristle, likely from a grill brush, perforating her small intestine. A portion of the intestine was removed, and she was discharged from the hospital three days later.
Telling a doctor about food eaten from a grill is imperative, Farmer said.
What to use instead of a wire grill brush
State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) recently proposed legislation that would prohibit the manufacture, sale and use of wire grill brushes in New York starting in 2026. The bill was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
In the meantime, you might want to consider safer alternatives for grill cleaning.
Farmer suggests balled up aluminum foil, half a lemon or onion, grill stone or pumice, steam cleaning with a wet cloth, Grill Rescue or BBQ Daddy.
If you’re attending a cookout, you should ask the host how the grill is maintained.
What to have on hand for safe grilling
Farmer recommends six health essentials so you don’t find yourself in a pickle this grilling season.
- Saline nasal spray or irrigation: Grill smoke can dry out and irritate the inside of the nose. Saline spray can moisten the nasal passages, soothe irritation and clear irritants.
- Throat lozenges or sprays: Smoke can aggravate the throat, causing dryness, scratchiness or coughing. Throat lozenges or sprays with honey, menthol or glycerin can help relieve discomfort and keep the throat moist.
- Nampons: Nosebleeds can happen when smoke dries out the nasal passages. Nampons can quickly and effectively treat nosebleeds, said Farmer, the chief medical ambassador for Nampons.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier or steaming at home can help rehydrate nasal and throat passages overnight and provide relief from irritation.
- Sunscreen: Prevent sun damage with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 to 50.
- Insect repellent: Bug sprays with DEET can help prevent bites from mosquitoes and ticks, which can transmit West Nile virus and Lyme disease.
