Advice? Bitumen paint on cast iron grill

[rodc]

Is this stuff likely to give off toxic or bad tasting fumes?

The supplied grids for the charcoal in my smoker have given up the ghost, but I've found a cast iron drain cover that would fit just about perfectly (I was thinking it would also help regulate the temperature). Problem is it's got bitumen paint on it, should I try to get the paint off it?

I suppose I could do a test burn & see how the smoke smells....

Thanks,

Rod

 

[lvrgsp]

Bitumen paint if I am not mistaken is used alot in industrial applications, as it is very durable under normal temperatures, however at higher temps it can become soft and start to flow......
I would not use the grate at all, the problem is bitumen is used on cast and other metals because it penetrates the poreous material well, so I doubt you could get it clean enough, I would not risk it...

lvrgsp