Best nontoxic grill tools and accessories, according to food safety experts

Grilling is more than just a cooking method; it's a beloved tradition that brings family and friends together during summer cookouts, game days and casual evenings. However, an increased interest in food safety and the toxins that exist in some food prep materials raises the question — how do the grilling accessories we use impact the safety of the meats and veggies we throw on the barbie?

The reality is, grilling itself isn't without risk. This method of cooking exposes us to high heat, open flames and some potentially toxic substances. And while you may not be ready to nix grilling altogether (it ain't easy to pass up a flame-licked Memorial Day burger, after all), you may want to switch out some of your grilling tools to make the beloved tradition a little safer.

"In the context of grilling, 'toxic' refers to the potential for certain materials used in grilling tools or accessories to release harmful chemicals or physical hazards when exposed to high heat," says Darin Detwiler, PhD, food safety expert, author and professor of food and agriculture at Northeastern University. When these toxins are released during grilling in the form of fumes or particles, Detwiler says they have the potential to pose a risk to human health, particularly when they're inhaled or eaten. Some of these potentially harmful substances include heavy metals, phthalates from plastics and other synthetic compounds.