News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Beth Gorman (520) 740-3343
Tucson, Arizona (May 25, 2006) The oldest cooking
method in the world – first mastered more than 100,000
years ago – can be improved by avoiding the use of lighter
fluid. Lighter fluid releases fumes into the air, which contribute
to ground-level ozone pollution. The Pima County Department of
Environmental Quality encourages healthier barbecues through
the use of cleaner-fuels and charcoal starters. Summertime barbecues
can be less polluting and better for your health by using propane
or natural gas, electric charcoal starters or charcoal chimneys
instead of charcoal lighter fluid.
Charcoal lighter fluid emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
through evaporation and as the fluid-soaked charcoal burns. These
VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone when they
mix with other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight. Ground-level
ozone (as opposed to the protective ozone layer) can cause health
problems in people with lung and heart disease, active children,
and adults who work or exercise outdoors. Lighter fluid may also
leave a residue of toxic chemicals on the grilled food.
Approximately 14,500 tons of VOCs are emitted from the 46,200
tons of lighter fluid used in the United States every year. Alternatives
to lighter fluid include electric charcoal starters or charcoal
chimneys, which work very effectively and emit no VOCs into the
air. In addition, eliminating the need for flammable lighter
fluid reduces the amount of hazardous materials stored around
the home. Propane barbecues emit significantly reduced levels
of air pollution when compared to charcoal barbecues started
with lighter fluid.
• Memorial Day BBQs can be healthier and more environmentally
friendly by avoiding the use of charcoal lighter fluid.
• Charcoal lighter fluid is made from toxic petroleum
distillates, which produce volatile organic compounds that
are an ingredient in ground-level ozone air pollution.
• Ozone air pollution can cause health problems in
adults and children with lung and heart disease.
• According to some medical experts, charcoal lighter
fluid and self-lighting charcoal both put residues from toxic
chemicals into the grilled food.
• Always BBQ outside in a well ventilated space because
grills produce deadly carbon monoxide.
There are at least three great ways to avoid the use of lighter
fluid when BBQing this summer:
1. Charcoal chimney starter: This device consists of a wide
steel pipe with air vents at the bottom, a grate in the middle,
and a heatproof handle. The charcoal or wood is loaded on the
grate and a sheet or two of crumpled newspaper is tucked into
the bottom of the chimney. After the newspaper is lit, the coals
will be ready to be poured onto the fire grate in about 15 minutes.
It is best to use heat-resistant gloves when pouring the charcoal
out onto the grate.
2. Electric charcoal starters: This electric coil will need
an extension cord to be plugged into the electrical outlet
closest to your grill. Simply place the starter in the coals
and heat for the manufacturer’s suggested time. Then
unplug the starter, remove it from the coals, and place the
starter on a heat-proof surface away from children and pets
until it cools down. Once the charcoal is lit, allow them to
heat for 15 minutes or until they turn ash gray.
3. Propane/natural gas grills: Depending on the type of grill,
propane or natural gas can be used merely to start the charcoal
or to complete the entire cooking process. The use of propane
or gas completely eliminates the need for lighter fluid, which
improves air quality. Before starting up a gas grill, clean all
pipes to remove cobwebs and other obstructions. Do not store
extra propane tanks near the grill or in the house. They should
be placed in a cool outdoor location.
Happy and healthy barbecuing!
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