Today's Article

1Grilling is a great way to cook a variety of foods, but it can also be dangerous.

In 2022, an 2estimated 5,400 people were sent to emergency rooms for gas or charcoal grill-related injuries.

It can also pose a risk of fire and 3carbon monoxide poisoning and causes 13 average yearly deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Grills are one of the most common accidents we see during the summer months."

Dr. Anupama Mehta with the Burn Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital says July is the peak month for grilling-related injuries.

She says she sees everything from minor burns to major ones.

"People are 4mishandling the propane tank or pouring gasoline or lighter fluid directly into the grill, and they sort of have this back force of flame and fires."

Safety experts say only use grills outside and in well-5ventilated areas. Never use them indoors — in a garage, 6breezeway, 7carport, 8porch, or under a surface that can burn. 

And check the grill and the gas hoses before use, searching for cracking, 9brittleness, holes, and 10leaks, and 11replace if necessary. 

And never leave a hot grill 12unattended. Keep children away.

Mehta says she's had to treat little ones, too.

"Sometimes, they just kind of put their hands on the grill, burn their hands, different body parts."

Finally, clean your grill to prevent 13grease 14buildup, which can be a fire 15hazard as well.