Non-Toxic Dad News: April 11, 2024

Hello Non-Toxic Friends!

Shooting sports can be exhilarating and fun—especially when carried out safely. However, let’s talk about the less-discussed, toxic side of firing our favorite "pew pews" 🔫. That's right, as much as we love hitting the range, several health hazards are lurking that we need to address:

  • Toxic Solvents: The cleaning agents used on guns contain harmful chemicals.

  • Lead Bullets: are a major source of lead exposure, a dangerous heavy metal.

  • Brass Casings: Handling casings can expose you to lead and other toxins.

  • Gun Smoke: This isn't just unpleasant smelling; it's loaded with harmful compounds.

The risks are substantial. Firing guns releases lead particles, contaminating not only the air but also your clothes and anything else you touch—think food, water bottles, and more. My friend Dr. Brian emphasizes that these contaminants can follow you home from the range, settling into your living space.

Here’s How You Can Minimize the Risks:

  • Clean Hands and Gear: Always wash your hands and wipe down your firearms at the range, particularly if you’re snacking.

  • Change Clothes: Before you step into your home, strip down as much as possible in an isolated area like your garage to avoid spreading contaminants indoors.

  • Shower Immediately: It helps remove any residual contaminants from your body (and yes, it might also take care of any lingering "range smell").

  • Prefer Outdoor Ranges: Open spaces allow for better toxic particle dispersion, reducing exposure significantly.

Stay tuned as we explore how to enjoy our hobbies without compromising our health. Let's keep it safe and non-toxic!

But First…My Upcoming Events:

I'm excited to announce that I will be a guest speaker at the Beyond "Infertility": Navigating Your Path to Parenthood Summit. Take advantage of this free event taking place April 16th-22nd! Sign up HERE.

Can't wait until April 16th? Check out these free resources now!

I've been talking a lot recently about the harmful effects of EMF. If you want to learn more about how EMFs affect your health, download this free guide: 6 Signs You May Be Becoming Electro-Sensitive. Also, check out the free EMF Hazards Summit, April 11-14th.

I’ll be speaking at the Disrupt Clinical Event on April 13th in Austin, TX. Come say hi; I would love to meet you!

Disrupt Clinical virtual tickets are available now! Make sure to use my promo code nontoxicdad for a special discount.

This Week on Social Media, I talked about:

Blog Spotlights:

Revitalize Your Laundry: Say Goodbye to Sheets!

Ever tossed a load of laundry in the dryer, only to pull out clothes that somehow make you itch more than a family hike through a patch of poison ivy? Yeah, you might want to side-eye those dryer sheets you’ve been using. Say goodbye to sheets! Turns out, they’re not just making your towels fluffier; they might be messing with more than just static cling.

Unwrapping the Truth About Tide Pods

Ever tuned into the TODAY Show and gotten more than your daily dose of news? That’s what happened when Adrian Grenier highlighted a not-so-fun fact about Tide Pods. It’s not the chemical concoction inside that raised eyebrows this time; it’s the wrapping. Yep, the convenient, dissolvable plastic isn’t dissolving the way we thought.

Dog Toy Safety: Fun Without Toxins

Ever watched your furry friend go nuts over a new Dog Toy, then wondered if it’s more than just fun and games? Turns out, some of those shiny, squeaky playthings might not be the best for Buddy’s health. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right toys for our four-legged family members, without the yawn-inducing jargon.

​​Non-Toxic Tip of the Week: Opt for Lead-Free Ammunition

This week's tip for all you sharpshooters out there focuses on reducing toxic exposure through a simple switch: opting for lead-free ammunition. Traditional bullets are typically made from lead, which poses significant health risks due to lead dust and fumes released upon firing. However, the good news is that there are safer alternatives available!

Why Choose Lead-Free Ammo?

  • Healthier for You: Lead-free bullets are made from copper or other safer materials that do not pose the same health risks as lead.

  • Reduces Lead Contamination: Using lead-free ammunition significantly decreases the amount of lead dust and fumes you and those around you are exposed to at the range.

  • Improves Air Quality at Indoor Ranges: Indoor shooting ranges can have particularly high levels of lead in the air; using lead-free ammo helps improve the air quality, making your shooting experience safer and more enjoyable.

Make the switch to lead-free ammunition today and take a significant step towards a safer, non-toxic shooting environment. Not only will you protect your health, but you'll also be doing your part in preventing environmental lead contamination. Safe shooting, everyone!

That's all for this week! Remember, every small change contributes to a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our families. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep pushing for a non-toxic world. See you next week with more tips and insights!

Happy shooting and healthy living,

Non-Toxic Dad