Being from the south, I grew up with BBQ. The aroma is second to none. Down here we use the wood from the Hickory tree. Karenng, you are correct about this type of food not being healthy, but it sure does taste and smell good. I can only smell, dysphagic, but I still cook. No true southerner would ever give up his BBQ skills even if they are not honed. It's tradition, kinda like growing tomatoes.
Carcinogens from the smoke never occured to me.
Darrell