Breaking Bad is a show that many people have watched and become fascinated by. Today, we will look at the scientific accuracy of some key events in the series. Let’s see which moments are realistic and which ones have been dramatized for entertainment.
If you’ve ever watched Breaking Bad, you’ve probably wondered how realistic some of the scenes are. From surviving in the desert with no food or water to using a small amount of explosive powder to take down gangsters, the series is filled with surprising moments. These scenes make you question whether they could actually happen. But please, don’t try these things at home!
While many technical details in the show are based on real science, they are often exaggerated or fictionalized. Let’s look at some of the most memorable moments and examine how realistic they are. 
1. Ricin Poison
In Breaking Bad, Walter and Jesse use ricin as a covert and efficient method of murder. For example, Walter poisons Lydia by disguising ricin as stevia powder.
Ricin is a highly toxic protein extracted from castor beans. A dose of just eight castor beans is enough to kill an adult, whether inhaled, ingested, or injected. The KGB used ricin in the assassination of Bulgarian journalist Georgi Markov by injecting it into his leg.
Ricin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in cells, leading to organ failure. Symptoms appear slowly, sometimes taking hours or even days. While recovery is possible, ricin is hard to detect, and it can be fatal within 36-48 hours. When mixed with liquids, its effectiveness decreases, requiring a larger dose to achieve the effects shown in the show.
2. Dissolving a Body with Hydrofluoric Acid
In one memorable scene, Jesse dissolves Emilio’s body in a bathtub full of acid. However, he ignores Walter’s warning that hydrofluoric acid will corrode everything except plastic. The acid not only dissolves the body but burns through the bathtub and floor, creating a horrifying mess.
Hydrofluoric acid is a strong acid made from hydrogen fluoride and water. However, it is not as dangerous as the show suggests. In reality, it can only penetrate the skin, and its ability to corrode materials like bathtubs is exaggerated. While dramatic, this scene is not scientifically accurate.
3. Lock Picking with Thermite
In another scene, Walter uses a reaction called thermite to burn through a lock. He mixes metal oxides with active metal powders to generate extremely high temperatures. This method is completely scientifically valid and demonstrates Walter’s chemical knowledge.
4. Phosphine Gas
In the RV, Walter faces two armed gangsters. He uses his chemistry knowledge to create deadly phosphine gas, trapping them inside and escaping.
In the show, Walter uses red phosphorus and water to generate phosphine gas. A more accurate method would be to mix red phosphorus with hydroiodic acid, which produces deadly phosphine gas. This is scientifically sound and shows Walter’s ability to use chemistry creatively to escape danger.
5. Lily of the Valley
In a shocking twist, young Brock falls ill, and the audience suspects that Walter used ricin. However, Walter used a different poison — lily of the valley.
Lily of the valley is highly toxic, especially its berries. Ingesting it can cause heart problems, drowsiness, vomiting, and rashes. It can even be fatal, as seen with Brock. The show cleverly uses real scientific elements, making the poisoning both shocking and realistic.
Conclusion
Breaking Bad blends science and drama to create thrilling moments. Walter White, an ordinary high school chemistry teacher, uses his knowledge to rise to power in the drug world. The show reminds us that knowledge is a powerful force, and it can change the course of one’s destiny.
