How to use barbecue brushes safely

If you use a wire-bristled brush to clean your barbecue, be aware of the dangers it can pose. The tiny wires can get dislodged and end up in your food. If ingested, they can cause serious medical problems. Between 2002 and 2014, an estimated 1,700 Americans ended up in hospital emergency rooms after ingesting wire bristles.

While it’s not a common occurrence, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family members from being injured by wire bristles. For starters, you should buy a new, high-quality barbecue brush every year and be sure to throw out the old one so it doesn’t accidentally get used.

Additionally, there are brushes made with nylon bristles, and others that are made of tightly coiled steel. Another option is to use a wooden scraper to clean your grill. You can even simply scrub the cooking grates with a ball of crumpled up aluminum foil or an oiled onion cut in half.

This summer, protect your family members and guests by making sure your grill brush is in good condition and doesn’t send anyone to the hospital.

Practice grill brush safety with these tips:
• Inspect your brush each time you use it.
• Replace it if the head is split or warped, or if the wires are frayed.
• Perform a safety check by using pliers to try to pry a bristle out. If it dislodges easily, replace the brush.