That said, studies that link exposure to HCAs and PAHs with cancer have only been confirmed in animals, which have been given much higher doses of these chemicals compared to what people normally eat, Rodriguez says. In fact, the rodents involved in these studies were fed a thousand times the doses people usually consume, per the NCI.
2. Monitor Temperature Investing in a good thermometer is crucial. Maintaining a consistent temperature (usually around 225°F to 250°F) helps in achieving the ideal smoke and tenderness.