The lab lies of 'Breaking Bad' you probably missed
What's the story
Breaking Bad is a highly acclaimed television series that has kept us all on the edge of our seats with its exciting plot and multi-dimensional characters. But alas, when it comes to the representation of chemistry labs, the show has taken some creative liberties that don't exactly match real-life practices. Here's what you get wrong about chem labs in Breaking Bad.
Safety
Safety protocols are overlooked
In Breaking Bad, safety protocols are often ignored or downplayed. Real chemistry labs adhere to strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of those working within them. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, is mandatory, and emergency procedures are well-documented. The show sometimes portrays characters handling hazardous materials without proper protection, which would be unacceptable in a real lab setting.
Equipment
Equipment is unrealistically advanced
The equipment shown in Breaking Bad is often more advanced than what you'd typically find in a standard chemistry lab. While some specialized facilities may have high-tech apparatuses, most educational or research labs operate with more basic tools due to budget constraints. The show's depiction can give you an exaggerated sense of what's available to chemists outside of industrial settings.
Reactions
Chemical reactions are oversimplified
Chemical reactions shown in Breaking Bad are often oversimplified for the sake of drama. In reality, reactions can be complex and require precise conditions to achieve desired outcomes. The show sometimes makes these processes look quick and easy, which can mislead viewers about the intricacies involved in chemical experimentation.
Setup
The lab setup is impractical
The setup of chemistry labs in Breaking Bad is often impractical as compared to what you see in real-world environments. In actual laboratories, space is organized efficiently so that the workflow is smooth and risks associated with the handling of chemicals are minimized. The show's portrayal sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, resulting in setups that wouldn't be feasible or safe for conducting experiments effectively.