Metal (bronze/steel) mesh filters AKA 'gauzes' or 'screens' need to be burnt over a candle before you put them in your bongs bowl.
this is because the metal has a coating of plastic, to stop the blade that cuts it into shreds slipping. they arent meant for use in bongs, they are pipe filters, for plumbing.

if you find the gauze is too large or keeps POPPING out of the bowl when heated, you can just cut it into a smaller circle using scissors.
curved nail scissors work best.

dont inhale too hard, try to avoid using a lighter with an overly powerful flame, as it means your inhaling more waste hydrocarbons.

you should burn the weed and stop there. dont try to get the most out of the bowl by flaming the ashes.. youll only heat up the mesh [glowing red] and inhale unwanted metal

maybe add some of that to your bong post, mkay?