If there are other useful and safer alternatives then it makes sense to scrap the wire bristle brushes entirely.

This is a real thing that can mess you up pretty good. If you like to grill, you can get brushes that use these sort of flat dullish thick metal spikes rather than bristles, they work just as well. Pick one up.

It's a more common problem than you think. I've seen this on my local news several times.

Anyone have links to alternatives?

I've switched to a wooden scraper that can be purchased at Amazon or a local dollar store. They definitely do not get the grill as clean. Some better alternatives are well over $20.

I'd personally like to see the bristle brushes gone and replaced with a safer products.

That sounds terrifying.

I heard about someone before who had horrific consequences from this, I threw mine away!

I've never used a BBQ- can anyone explain why scrubbing with steel wool isn't a good alternative?

I've got one of those wooden paddle-shaped things for this reason.

seems like a cool guy. "It's going to be quite the scar," Kirkegaard said. "But I'm no spring chicken, so whatever." 22 staples right down the abdomen youch.