Grill Brush Bristle Injuries Continue to Rise - Summary - MDSpire

Grill Brush Bristle Injuries Continue to Rise

Most patients were treated and released, with the oropharynx the most common injury site

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • April 10, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To analyze the increase in grill brush wire bristle injuries in the US from 2015 to 2023 compared to the previous decade (2006 to 2014).

Key Findings:
  • Estimated 3,739 grill brush wire bristle injuries from 2015 to 2023, a 229% increase from 2006 to 2014.
  • 71% of patients were treated and released; 24% required hospital admission.
  • Injuries were most common in individuals aged 19 to 40 years (38%) and 41 to 60 years (34%).
  • Pediatric patients younger than 18 years represented 14% of cases.
  • Injuries occurred year-round but were most common in summer and least frequent in winter.
  • Oropharynx was the most common injury site, accounting for 40% of cases.
Interpretation:

Despite increased awareness of the dangers of grill brush bristles, the incidence of injuries has not decreased over the past decade.

Limitations:
  • Small sample size and incomplete data.
  • Limited specificity in injury location reporting.
  • Low frequency of injuries reduces precision of national estimates and limits characterization of demographic patterns.
Conclusion:

The findings suggest that despite increased awareness campaigns, the incidence of grill brush bristle injuries in the US has not effectively decreased over the past decade.

Original Source(s)

Grill Brush Bristle Injuries Continue to Rise

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • April 10, 2026

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