Since when has endangering the health of the troops been a big concern of the military?? Agent Orange, depleated uranium rounds... the list is a long one. Anyway - use in a WELL VENTILATED space - like outside - no problem. Don't eat the Trioxane and don't rub it in the food - As others of said - we all deal with things everyday that are toxic if improperly used. (Gasoline, bleach, my stepmother's cooking...(at least I never have to deal with that poison again)). Give it a go. I would, however, attempt to work on conventional firestarting methods first as it's better not to have to rely on things like trioxane to start a fire. (Not that it won't do the job - it just might not be on hand when you need it.)