Lighting your barbecue is one of the more eco-unfriendly aspects of the whole outdoor grilling process. As we established last week, lighter fluid contributes to ground-level ozone pollution by releasing toxic fumes, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. The problem occurs when the VOCs mix with other air pollutants and are exposed to sunlight, and the resulting ground-level ozone can be detrimental to the health of particular individuals such as those with lung and heart disease, active children and the outdoor athletic type. Even if you don't fall into one of those categories you could still be a victim, as the fluid may leave a toxic chemical residue on your food.

Fortunately there are alternatives to using traditional lighter fluid when you fire up the grill. Try one of the following options instead. While they may not be quite as convenient as lighter fluid, they'll have less of an impact on the environment.

Charcoal Chimney Starter: This device consists of a wide steel pipe with air vents at the bottom, a grate in the middle, and a heatproof handle. The charcoal or wood is loaded on the grate and a sheet or two of crumpled newspaper is tucked into the bottom of the chimney. After the newspaper is lit, the coals will be ready to be poured onto the fire grate in about 15 minutes. It is best to use heat-resistant gloves when pouring the charcoal out onto the grate.

Electric charcoal starters: This electric coil will need an extension cord to be plugged into the electrical outlet closest to your grill. Simply place the starter in the coals and heat for the manufacturer’s suggested time. Then unplug the starter, remove it from the coals, and place the starter on a heat-proof surface away from children and pets until it cools down. Once the charcoal is lit, allow them to heat for 15 minutes or until they turn ash gray.

Propane/natural gas grills: Depending on the type of grill, propane or natural gas can be used merely to start the charcoal or to complete the entire cooking process. The use of propane or gas completely eliminates the need for lighter fluid, which improves air quality. Before starting up a gas grill, clean all pipes to remove cobwebs and other obstructions. Do not store extra propane tanks near the grill or in the house. They should be placed in a cool outdoor location.

» Pima County Department of Environmental Quality