UD Smoker?

A customer of mine who picked up some ribs the other day, praised his Ugly Drum Smoker, and I was thinking, well maybe I build me one… The thing is though I don´t like this method of briquettes turning into glow in the barrel under the meat. Some say unhealthy gas develop during this process.
Is this an issue or concern or at all a question around you bbq-people?

If I was to build one, I was thinking of making a door at the bottom of the barrel, where I can put in glowing hard wood or coal. It would call for more attention but… well, what do you say?

Please share some of your secrets around this type of barbecue...
Thank you,
Stefan