It is not charcoal that is implicated in carcinogens from grilling meat; it is the HCAs produced by the combination of meat and high heat. The American Institute for Cancer mentions this on their website under "Science of Grilling":
http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/N...s_iv_ctrl=2303
The purpose of science is not to scare people. It is to provide information. People are free to evaluate the quality of that information and to choose to act or not act on it.
In terms of quilting, I can understand how polyester fleece fibers contribute to pollution of the environment. As a consumer, I choose not to buy polyester fleece for quilting since there are many good, inexpensive alternatives that satisfy both my aesthetics and my desire to make responsible choices. Others may evaluate the information differently and/or make a different choice. I just hope such decisions are based on evaluation of information rather than on fear.