During a barbecue, a 9-year-old Australian girl ate a bacon and egg roll and accidentally swallowed the bristles of a metal barbecue cleaning brush.
Although no one initially realized the severity, the bristle caused serious problems by puncturing his esophagus and hitting an artery in his neck.
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The girl developed a high temperature and, after some worrying symptoms, was taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. There, doctors discovered abscesses in his brain and the situation became critical.
She was transferred by air to a hospital in Sydney. Surgery was later performed to remove the bristle. After a month of recovery in the hospital and a course of antibiotics, the girl recovered well.
(Image: reproduction/internet)
This incident is not an isolated case. A US study revealed that between 2002 and 2014, around 1,700 people went to the emergency room due to barbecue brush-related accidents, an average of 140 cases per year. Kristen, the girl's mother, warns of the dangers of these brushes and the need for awareness.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) suggests that if a brush poses a risk to the public, it should be withdrawn from circulation. Under Australian Consumer Law, suppliers must ensure they sell safe products.
The consumer advocacy group CHOICE highlighted that toothbrushes barbecue they can wear out and loosen bristles, becoming a risk.
Safety Tips
It is essential to check brushes and grilles before use. The recommendation is to change the brushes annually. As a safer alternative, you can use a pumice stone or coil-shaped brushes without metal bristles.
In response to this incident, the local community began an awareness campaign about the risks associated with using metal barbecue brushes. The campaign encourages frequent checking of the conditions of the brush and suggests alternative methods for cleaning the grill.
Through information leaflets and workshops, the initiative aims to prevent future accidents and ensure safer barbecues for everyone.
