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Article

Particulate Matter During Food Preparation on a Barbecue: A Case Study of an Electric Barbecue

by
Jan Stefan Bihałowicz
1,*,
Artur Badyda
1,
Wioletta Rogula-Kozłowska
2,
Kamila Widziewicz-Rzońca
3,
Patrycja Rogula-Kopiec
3,
Dmytro Chyzhykov
3,
Grzegorz Majewski
4 and
Mariusz Pecio
5
1
Faculty of Building Services, Hydro and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 20 Nowowiejska Street, 00-653 Warsaw, Poland
2
Institute of Safety Engineering, Fire University, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
3
Institute of Environmental Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Skłodowska-Curie Street, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
4
Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
5
Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, Fire University, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020498
Submission received: 8 November 2024 / Revised: 18 December 2024 / Accepted: 3 January 2025 / Published: 7 January 2025
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Abstract

:
The distribution of mass and the number of particles is a determining factor in the respirable nature of a given particulate matter (PM), and thus in the potential health effects of breathing the air in question. One of the most popular activities during the summer months is the preparation of food on a barbecue. Barbecuing represents one of the few sources of combustion particulates during the summer, a period which is otherwise characterised by a lack of heating. The objective of this study is to ascertain the fractional composition of PM emitted during food preparation on an electric barbecue and to compare these values with the measured background. The concentrations of particulate matter (PM) at the barbecue were determined with a Palas AQ Guard optical spectrometer, while the background concentrations were measured with a Palas Fidas 200 optical spectrometer that complies with the EN16450 standard. The contribution of the individual PM fractions measured in the barbecue environment differed from that observed in the ambient air. The background measurements exhibited a relatively well-defined and consistent distribution, with the PM1 fraction representing between 10 and 30% of the PM mass and the PM4−1 fraction accounting for only 10 to 20%. Thus, the mass of the PM4 fraction did not exceed 50% of the total mass of particles. Upon analysis of the particles emitted during the grilling process, it was observed that the PM1 fraction was capable of accounting for a substantial proportion, exceeding 90% of the PM mass. The trend related to the PM4−1 fraction was maintained; however, the limit of the maximum content of this fraction increased to 40% of the PM. The results demonstrate that the barbecue process itself, utilising a barbecue without emission fuel, can exert a notable influence on the contribution of submicron PM.

1. Introduction

Particulate matter (PM) represents a significant environmental pollutant with profound implications for public health and atmospheric quality [1,2]. The emission of PM from a range of anthropogenic sources, including residential barbecues, has attracted increasing scholarly attention due to its potential adverse effects on air quality and human health [3,4]. The practice of barbecuing, particularly in urban settings where outdoor space is limited, gives rise to concerns not only regarding the direct emissions of particulate matter but also about the social dynamics that emerge when neighbours engage in this activity [5,6]. An understanding of the size distribution of particulate matter is crucial for elucidating its health effects, as different size fractions demonstrate varying capacities for respiratory penetration and systemic exposure [7,8,9,10,11]. The mass size distribution of PM can vary considerably depending on the source of emissions. Prior research has indicated that combustion processes, such as those occurring during grilling, result in the production of a diverse range of particulate sizes, which have implications for both local air quality and human exposure [10,11]. The utilisation of optical aerosol spectrometers enables the comprehensive examination of size-segregated PM, thus offering insights into the concentration and distribution of particles emitted during barbecuing activities.
The health effects associated with PM exposure from BBQ fumes are well-documented [12,13,14]. Of particular concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which has the ability to penetrate deeply into the pulmonary system and enter the bloodstream, thereby causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [15,16,17]. Between 2005 and 2021, the number of premature deaths in the EU attributable to PM fell by 41% [18], however, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified PM as a significant environmental health risk, with an estimated link to millions of premature deaths annually.
In light of the growing prevalence of residential barbecuing, particularly in urban areas, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the emissions generated by this activity in order to safeguard public health and inform regulatory measures.
While existing literature has primarily focused on traditional charcoal [4,10,19,20] or gas grills [10,11], there is a significant gap in the research addressing the emissions from electric grills [10,21]. In recent years, and particularly during the pandemic, the practice of electric grilling has gained increasing popularity. It is, therefore, important to assess the emissions produced by electric barbecues. It has been demonstrated that the chemical composition of PM can vary considerably depending on the fuel source, affecting its toxicity and the associated health effects. The combustion of organic materials during grilling can yield not only particulate matter but also volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to have deleterious effects on human health [22,23,24]. Short-term exposure to PAHs can lead to respiratory issues such as decreased lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, coughing, chest tightness, and a sore throat. Meanwhile, VOCs, often found indoors, can cause headaches and dizziness. Long-term exposure to PAHs, known carcinogens, is associated with cancers (lung, skin, bladder, and gastrointestinal), liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, and endocrine disruption, which can affect fertility and pregnancy. Chronic exposure to VOCs is linked to cancer and neurological issues, including cognitive impairment [25,26,27,28,29,30,31].
For example, a recent study [32] reported that occupational exposure to VOCs among beauty salon workers led to symptoms such as dry eyes, skin irritation, and dry skin. The mean non-carcinogenic risks of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, as well as the mean carcinogenic risk of formaldehyde, exceeded acceptable levels. Another study [33] on emissions from typical Chinese residential cooking, based on field measurements of PAHs, VOCs, and PM2.5, highlighted significant health risks associated with these practices. Grilling was identified as the cooking method producing the highest PM2.5 concentrations (28.79 ± 9.36 mg/m3), with a distinct emission profile. The primary PAH species detected were Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Benzo[a]pyrene, and Fluorene, while oxygenated VOCs dominated VOC emissions, followed by alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons. The high concentrations of PAHs and VOCs emitted from Chinese cooking, as measured by the researchers, indicate that long-term exposure to these emissions poses severe health hazards.
The maximum temperature achieved by electric grills following preheating varies considerably between different models, with some reaching temperatures in excess of 200 °C [11]. Furthermore, electric grills are known for their uneven heat distribution, which may impact the food quality [34]. Electric grills do not burn fossil fuels and, thus, do not produce combustion-related pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are commonly found in gas grills. As previously demonstrated, the calculated risk from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact of Σ15PAH in the case of professional cook exposure to grilling over lumps and briquettes was found to be between 3.5 × 10⁻3 and 3.9 × 10⁻3, respectively, while for humans exposed to electric grill fumes in Shenzhen, China, it was a value of 3.6 × 10−5 for the professional cook [35]. In our previous study, in which we tested PAHs and BTEX emissions from three types of BBQ grilles—electric, gas grill, and the most typical charcoal grill (lump and charcoal briquettes)—we found that the sum of 15PAHs for the mentioned types of grills while grilling meat, was as follows: 4251.93 ng/m3; 1442.16 ng/m3, lump charcoal 48,189.17 ng/m3, and 382,020.39 ng/m3 [11].
Furthermore, the social implications of barbecuing on balconies, where the grilling practices of one neighbour can adversely affect the air quality experienced by others, have not been adequately addressed in the existing literature. Such social interactions have the potential to give rise to conflicts or feelings of discomfort among residents, particularly in densely populated urban environments. The phenomenon of “barbecue smoke” can potentially create a nuisance for non-participating neighbours, resulting in complaints and potential disputes. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the emissions involved. The social dynamics of urban living, including the negotiation of shared spaces and the impact of individual behaviours on community wellbeing, are critical factors that warrant further exploration.
Notwithstanding the increasing number of studies on PM emissions from a variety of sources [36,37,38,39], there is a significant deficiency in research focusing on the mass-size distribution of PM emitted from electric grills. The existing literature on this topic is limited [10,21,40,41] and has primarily focused on the overall concentration of PM without delving into the size distribution and its implications for health and air quality. An understanding of the size distribution of PM is essential for the assessment of its potential health impacts, given that different particle sizes can exhibit varying deposition patterns within the respiratory tract.
The present study aims to address this gap by analysing the mass and number size distribution of particulate matter emitted during electric grilling on a balcony. The concentrations of PM at the grilling site, in a nearby flat, and at a background site will be compared using optical aerosol spectrometers to obtain precise measurements. The objective of this research is to contribute to a better understanding of the environmental and social implications of residential barbecuing, with the ultimate goal of informing guidelines for urban living and air quality management. In addition to enhancing our knowledge of PM emissions from electric grills, the findings of this study will also provide insights into the broader context of urban air quality and community interactions.
The results of the study are not limited to a specific type of electric barbecue or to specific meteorological conditions, but aim to indicate the impact of electric barbecue activity as a potential additional source contributing to air pollution.

2. Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted in Warsaw, Poland, on 28 April 2024, during the informal start of the BBQ season in Poland (“long May weekend” [42]). The weather on this day was acceptable for a BBQ, and the average temperature during grilling was 19.5 °C, the average wind speed was 2 m/s, and the pressure was 1004 hPa at ground level [43]. The location of sites on the background of OpenStreetMap [44] is provided in Figure 1.
The grilling was performed on a balcony of a block of flats in Bielany, a district of Warsaw, on the fifth floor (approx. 13 m above the ground). The location is built-up with high blocks of flats. The sampling was performed simultaneously in two adjacent flats, and the distance between measurement devices was 10 m. The sampling of the PM was performed using two Palas AQ Guards (Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) [45]. The Palas AQ Guard is an optical aerosol spectrometer with the range of 0.175 to 20 µm, with 32 channels per decade, and a sampling flow rate of 1 L/min. The device has R 2 > 0.98 for PM2.5 and R 2 > 0.94 for PM10 versus Palas Fidas 200 [45]. The device was calibrated according to the maintenance instruction provided by the manufacturer and just before the experiment was calibrated using MonoDust 1500 [46], silicon dioxide particles of a mean diameter of 1.28 µm. The scheme of devices location is provided in Figure 2. The first AQ Guard was mounted next to the grill while the second was in the next flat, which is not occupied on a daily basis, and thus appears to be free from common sources of indoor particles, including smoking, dust generation, and cooking. However, the apartment’s premises are not subjected to regular ventilation, which effectively prevents the migration of atmospheric particles and other pollutants from the external environment. The devices were sampling with 1 min average time. The clocks of all sampling devices were synchronised.
The grilling was performed using a typical table grill with an open “stove” rated at 2000–2300 W (the device utilised in the study, akin to numerous other devices currently available on the market, was the Philips HD4419 (Koninklijke Philips N.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands) [47]). The decision to select the grill was predicated on the observation that its construction was analogous to that of a conventional grill, powered by coal or briquettes and facilitating future comparisons with conventional grills. The food prepared on the grill was consistent with the traditional fare of a barbecue, comprising pork neck, bacon, camembert cheese, and an assortment of vegetables.
The aerosol concentration at a background site was measured using Airpointer (recordum Messtechnik GmbH, Wiener Neustadt, Austria) [48] equipped with the Palas Fidas 200 (Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany), an optical aerosol spectrometer [49]. The device was maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the specifications outlined in the QAL-1 certificate [50] using MonoDust 1500 (Palas GmbH, Germany), [46] from the same bottle as the AQ Guard. Calibration is conducted on a quarterly basis, with the most recent calibration occurring approximately one month prior to the measurements described in this study. The certified sampling range of the device is 0.18–18 µm, with 32 channels per decade. The device was mounted on the roof of Fire University, with a sampling head 14.9 m above ground level [51].
All the data analyses were performed using Python programming language, version 3.12.3 [52] with the package scipy 1.14.1 [53] and visualisation was performed using packages matplotlib 3.9.2 [54] and mpltern 1.0.4 [55].
Applsci 15 00498 g001
Figure 1. The location of sampling sites presented on the OpenStreetMap background [44], a map created using QGIS 3.22 Białowieża [56].
Figure 1. The location of sampling sites presented on the OpenStreetMap background [44], a map created using QGIS 3.22 Białowieża [56].
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Figure 2. Scheme of sampling sites at two flats. On the balcony in the left flat there is a grill with the AQ Guard while in the second flat, completely separate, there is an opened window with the AQ Guard inside.
Figure 2. Scheme of sampling sites at two flats. On the balcony in the left flat there is a grill with the AQ Guard while in the second flat, completely separate, there is an opened window with the AQ Guard inside.
Applsci 15 00498 g002

3. Results and Discussion

As shown in Figure 3, the ternary plot shows the fractional contributions of the different PM fractions. The figure shows PM1 (submicron particles), PM4−1 (particles between 1 and 4 µm), and PM100−4 (particles between 4 and 100 µm) for three environments: grilling point (denoted grill), indoor of the adjacent flat (indoor), and background. An examination of the grill data (represented by the blue dots in Figure 3) shows that they are distributed mainly along the grid lines of the PM4−1 axis, with a slight tilt towards the 100% PM1 vertex. This suggests that the particles generated by the grilling process are predominantly composed of fine submicron particles. The generation of submicron particles (PM1) is often associated with high-temperature processes, including combustion, heating, and even food-related emissions such as fat evaporation [3,6,57]. Our study used an electric grill (which does not involve direct fuel combustion), but grilling still involves high temperatures that generate fine particles through processes such as fat evaporation. When fats and oils from food reach high temperatures, they can vaporise. Upon cooling, these vapours condense into submicron aerosols, significantly increasing the proportion of PM1 [58,59,60]. This effect is further enhanced by the high power of electric grills (round 2000 watts), which rapidly heats fats and oils, thereby accelerating the production of ultrafine particles. This is consistent with the finding that PM1 can account for over 90% of the total particle mass during grilling. It is noteworthy that a study by Alves et al. (2022) [6], in which the researchers used a charcoal grill, found that PM2.5 accounted for 97–99% of PM10. In addition, PM1 accounted for 98–99% of PM2.5, indicating that the majority of particulate emissions from charcoal grilling are very small, submicron particles. This suggests that submicron particles remain a concern, even with electric barbecues. Another process that can potentially affect the concentration of submicron particles is the presence of cooking by-products. In addition, particulate matter can result from the emission of small solid particles from food surfaces, including charred or burnt particles that are extremely fine [61]. The reasons for the reduction in PM4−1 and PM100−4 near the grill can be observed. Larger particles (PM4−1 and PM100−4) are typically generated by mechanical processes, such as the production of dust, dirt or larger combustion particles in traditional fuel-based barbecues [13,62]. In the case of the electric barbecue, the absence of combustion of fuels such as charcoal reduces mechanical disturbance and the generation of particulate matter from these sources. The absence of traditional combustion also explains the lower concentration of coarser particles (PM100−4), as there is no burning fuel to produce ash or large particles. The slight shift of the blue data points (representing barbecue emissions) towards the PM100−4 axis can be attributed to the influence of background particles present on the balcony. Although the barbecue emits mainly fine particles (PM1), some coarser background particles (in the PM100−4 range) from the surrounding outdoor environment, such as dust, pollen or urban pollution, may mix with the barbecue emissions [63].
Indoor air, represented by the orange data points in Figure 3, is reflected in the more evenly distributed PM1 fraction. This reflects common indoor sources of fine particles such as cooking, aerosols from cleaning products, smoking and general human activities [64,65,66]. The lack of clustering along the PM4−1 and PM100−4 axes confirms that larger particles are not dominant indoors, which is consistent with typical indoor particle size distributions where submicron particles are more common [67,68,69]. It also suggests that grilling may affect indoor air at the moment of cooking, as the usual movement of people in and out of the home causes the wind to flow indoors together with submicron particles generated by the grilling process.
With regard to the background environment, as illustrated by the green data points in Figure 3, it is predominantly characterised by PM100−4 particles, as evidenced by the clustering along the right side of the plot. This pattern is to be expected in ambient outdoor air, where larger particles such as dust and pollen are prevalent [70,71]. The low concentration of PM1 comprises 10 to 30% of the dust mass, and the PM4−1 fraction accounts for only 10 to 20%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the mass of the PM4−1 fraction did not exceed 50% of the PM mass. Similarly, the trend associated with the PM4−1 fraction in grilling (blue dots) was maintained; however, the limit of the maximum content of this fraction increased to 40% of the PM. Overall, the results demonstrate that the grilling process itself, using a grill without emission fuel, can be a significant factor affecting the contribution of submicron PM.
The boxplots presented in Figure 4 demonstrate notable disparities in particulate matter (PM) concentrations values across environmental contexts for PM1, PM4, and PM100. The findings demonstrate that the barbecue environment exerts a pronounced influence on the concentrations of PM1, PM4, and PM100 particles, particularly as a consequence of the grilling process. The elevated levels of PM1 in the grill environment serve to highlight the presence of submicron particles, which have the potential to have adverse health implications due to their capacity to penetrate deeply into the respiratory system [72,73]. These findings corroborate those of the preceding plot (Figure 3), indicating that even electric grills, which lack traditional combustion fuels, nevertheless generate considerable quantities of fine and submicron particles, presumably as a result of the burning of fats and other food compounds. In their study, Xu et al. [58] examined the particulate matter emissions produced when various types of meat were grilled using charcoal as fuel. The findings revealed that pork, which is known for its high-fat content, emitted the highest levels of PM1 among the tested meats, contributing significantly to ultrafine particle concentrations. These results suggest that even with electric grills, submicron particles are likely generated from the volatilisation and combustion of fats in the meat itself.
The background environment, dominated by PM100 as illustrated in Figure 4, plays a role in the results presented in Figure 3, where clustering of PM100−4 was observed. It can be observed that the background environment has a limited number of sources of fine particles (PM1), resulting in relatively low concentrations of PM1 and PM4 in comparison to those observed in the vicinity of the grill. This pattern of low fine particle concentration in the background air is consistent with the presence of ambient outdoor air that is dominated by coarser particles, such as dust and pollen [74].
The indoor air, with relatively low concentrations of PM1 and PM4, demonstrates the least diversity and overall concentration of particles. While grilling on the balcony may contribute to the presence of particles in the indoor environment, the concentrations generally remain stable. This stability can be attributed to the controlled indoor environment, where ventilation systems and building characteristics effectively limit exposure to both fine and coarse particles [75,76].
Finally, the data presented in this figure demonstrate that grilling on an electric barbecue can significantly increase PM concentrations, particularly for fine particles (PM1). In contrast, the background and indoor environments exhibit lower and more stable particle concentrations due to limited sources of submicron PM, which highlights the impact of grilling on air quality in the vicinity of the cooking area. The increase in concentration observed at the grill is less pronounced than that seen in our previous studies involving gas and coal-powered grills [77]. However, the results presented here should be interpreted in the context of the background conditions.
Applsci 15 00498 g004
Figure 4. Boxplots of the PM1, PM4, and PM100 concentrations during grilling with calculated values of means, standard deviation, and 95th percentile. The boxes are from the 1st to 3rd quartile, the orange line denotes the median, while the green triangle is the position of the mean. Whiskers are from the minimum to maximum. The concentrations between sites were significantly different (Brunner Munzel test [78], p < 0.001) except for PM1 indoor and grill (p = 0.2).
Figure 4. Boxplots of the PM1, PM4, and PM100 concentrations during grilling with calculated values of means, standard deviation, and 95th percentile. The boxes are from the 1st to 3rd quartile, the orange line denotes the median, while the green triangle is the position of the mean. Whiskers are from the minimum to maximum. The concentrations between sites were significantly different (Brunner Munzel test [78], p < 0.001) except for PM1 indoor and grill (p = 0.2).
Applsci 15 00498 g004
An examination of the sum of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Figure 5 reveals a correlation with the observations derived from the particulate matter (PM) analysis. The elevated levels of volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of the grill are mirrored by the elevated concentrations of particulate matter, particularly in the PM₁ fraction. Both VOCs and PM with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 1 μm (PM1) are by-products of the grilling process. Our previous study, conducted using passive devices—sorbent tubes [11] —indicated that the PAHs concentration over electric, for specific dishes, are very similar to the lump charcoal–powered grill and even exceed values for the propane-powered grill. VOCs, which are often the result of the thermal breakdown of organic compounds in food, contribute to the mixture of fine particles that are detected in the vicinity of the grill [58]. This correlation indicates that grilling, even with an electric grill, introduces both VOCs and fine particles of PM1 into the air, which can have implications for air quality and human health, especially in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. A study conducted by Cheng et al. [79] identified 51 distinct VOC species across various cooking methods and reported that grilling resulted in the highest total VOC concentrations. The study conducted by Cheng et al. substantiated the assertion that grills utilising charcoal as a fuel source contribute significantly to the emission of VOCs. However, the experimental setup employed an electric grill. This indicates that even in the absence of direct combustion, grilling results in the release of a considerable quantity of VOCs, which may be attributed to elevated cooking temperatures and the volatilisation of organic compounds present in the food. Further investigation into the emission characteristics of VOCs during grilling with an electric grill could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the sources and mechanisms involved. The relatively low and stable indoor VOC concentrations indicate that the indoor environment lacks significant VOC sources during the measurement period. This finding corroborates the low PM concentrations observed indoors, thereby supporting the notion that indoor air quality remains stable in the absence of combustion or cooking activities. The minor VOC presence indoors may have originated from background sources, such as cleaning products, furniture off-gassing, or minimal outdoor air infiltration [80,81]. Although data regarding the background environment for volatile organic compounds is not provided in this plot, the previously analysed particulate matter concentrations indicate that outdoor air is dominated by larger particles (PM100−4) rather than fine particles or VOCs. This suggests that ambient air in this setting may have lower VOC contributions compared to the grill environment, which is consistent with the clustering of background PM data points along the PM100−4 axis in the ternary plot.

4. Conclusions

The grilling process represents a significant source of fine submicron particles (PM1), which are frequently associated with high-temperature processes, including combustion and heating. In addition to these processes, food-related emissions, particularly the evaporation of fats, contribute to the formation of these particles. When fats and oils are subjected to elevated temperatures during grilling, they vaporise and subsequently condense into submicron aerosols, thereby increasing PM1 concentrations. Furthermore, fine particulate matter may be released from food surfaces in the form of charred or burnt particles.
In the context of electric barbecues, the absence of fuel combustion, such as that produced by charcoal, results in a reduction in mechanical disturbance and a concomitant decrease in the generation of particulate matter from these sources. This observation indicates that the grilling process can markedly impact indoor air quality, as human activities may facilitate the introduction of submicron particles from grilling into indoor environments. However, concentrations of these particles typically remain stable due to the presence of controlled environments and effective ventilation systems, which mitigate exposure to both fine and coarse particulate matter.
The findings of our study indicate that grilling, even with electric grills that do not utilise emission fuels, substantially contributes to submicron PM levels, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the barbecue. The marked increase in PM1 particles, along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), during the grilling process underscores their potential health risks, given their ability to penetrate deeply into the respiratory system. This concern is further amplified by the fact that other pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can adsorb onto the surfaces of solid particles, posing additional health hazards.
The results, although obtained under specific conditions, reveal a general trend in the submicron particle contribution of a typical electric grill. This finding is particularly novel and significant, as previous studies on barbecue emissions have primarily concentrated on fuel-powered grills or especially focused on larger particulate matter or gaseous pollutants, thereby overlooking the potential impact of submicron particles.
Submicron particles, often referred to as ultrafine particles (UFPs), are a significant concern due to their ability to penetrate deeply into the human respiratory system and potentially pose serious health risks. This research provides a unique perspective by highlighting the distinct differences in the size distribution of particulates, thereby establishing a foundation for both UFP non-combustion grill emissions and the analysis of the number and mass size distribution of such sources.
Further studies are required to advance the understanding of barbecue emissions, particularly in relation to submicron particles. The findings presented here have the potential to inform the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly barbecue technologies, which could ultimately contribute to improvements in air quality and public health.

Author Contributions

Conceptualisation, J.S.B. and A.B.; methodology, J.S.B.; software, J.S.B.; validation, K.W.-R. and D.C.; formal analysis, P.R.-K.; investigation, J.S.B.; resources, M.P. and G.M.; data curation, W.R.-K. and P.R.-K.; writing—original draft preparation, K.W.-R., D.C. and A.B.; writing—review and editing, A.B. and W.R.-K.; visualisation, J.S.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

Research was funded by Warsaw University of Technology within the Excellence Initiative: Research University (IDUB) programme, POSTDOC V.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Applsci 15 00498 g003
Figure 3. The ternary plot of fraction shares. The direction of ticks and ticks’ labels correspond to axes labels.
Figure 3. The ternary plot of fraction shares. The direction of ticks and ticks’ labels correspond to axes labels.
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Applsci 15 00498 g005
Figure 5. Boxplots of the VOC sum during grilling with values of means, standard deviation, and 95th percentile. The boxes are from the 1st to 3rd quartile, the orange line denotes the median, while the green triangle is the position of the mean. Whiskers are from the minimum to maximum. The concentrations between sites were significantly different (Brunner Munzel test [78], p < 0.001).
Figure 5. Boxplots of the VOC sum during grilling with values of means, standard deviation, and 95th percentile. The boxes are from the 1st to 3rd quartile, the orange line denotes the median, while the green triangle is the position of the mean. Whiskers are from the minimum to maximum. The concentrations between sites were significantly different (Brunner Munzel test [78], p < 0.001).
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Bihałowicz, J.S.; Badyda, A.; Rogula-Kozłowska, W.; Widziewicz-Rzońca, K.; Rogula-Kopiec, P.; Chyzhykov, D.; Majewski, G.; Pecio, M. Particulate Matter During Food Preparation on a Barbecue: A Case Study of an Electric Barbecue. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020498

AMA Style

Bihałowicz JS, Badyda A, Rogula-Kozłowska W, Widziewicz-Rzońca K, Rogula-Kopiec P, Chyzhykov D, Majewski G, Pecio M. Particulate Matter During Food Preparation on a Barbecue: A Case Study of an Electric Barbecue. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(2):498. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020498

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bihałowicz, Jan Stefan, Artur Badyda, Wioletta Rogula-Kozłowska, Kamila Widziewicz-Rzońca, Patrycja Rogula-Kopiec, Dmytro Chyzhykov, Grzegorz Majewski, and Mariusz Pecio. 2025. "Particulate Matter During Food Preparation on a Barbecue: A Case Study of an Electric Barbecue" Applied Sciences 15, no. 2: 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020498

APA Style

Bihałowicz, J. S., Badyda, A., Rogula-Kozłowska, W., Widziewicz-Rzońca, K., Rogula-Kopiec, P., Chyzhykov, D., Majewski, G., & Pecio, M. (2025). Particulate Matter During Food Preparation on a Barbecue: A Case Study of an Electric Barbecue. Applied Sciences, 15(2), 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020498

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