Potentially Cancer-Causing:

This one grilling mistake increases health risks, though, including exposure to high levels of cancer-causing compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs).

HCAs are formed in meat muscle tissue during high-temperature cooking like grilling. (1)

While most closely linked to stomach and colon cancers, HCAs also damage DNA and are linked to an increased risk in breast, liver, lung, prostate and skin cancer. (2, 3)

Luckily, there are relatively easy ways to protect yourself from HCAs and other lesser-known grilling mistakes that could threaten your health.