Broiler and fumes

Last night I used my broiler to broil some steaks. I've used it a bunch of times before - we have had this oven since July.

A few minutes after I turned it on and even before I put the meat under it the kitchen was filled with horrible fumes. Not gas fumes, not food fumes, almost chemically-smelling. I opened the windows and turned the vent on, but it didn't do much and the first floor of the house stunk all night. There was no plastic in the oven that could have melted, I have no idea what this could have been. Now I'm scared to use it again.

Has this happened to anyone else?

(Of course, I still put the steaks under it. )

Re: Broiler and fumes

Maybe soap residue from cleaning the broiler pan ?