The Chemistry of "Breaking Bad" in the UK: Fact or Fiction? 

Introduction

 "Breaking Bad" captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling story of a high school chemistry teacher turned meth producer. But could someone like Walter White actually exist in the UK? In this blog, we'll dive into the fascinating world of "Breaking Bad," explore the accuracy of its chemistry, and investigate the real-life challenges of attempting such a risky venture in the UK. Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the realm of chemistry and crime!

What is Breaking Bad and its Chemistry Connection? 

Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed TV series that aired from 2008 to 2013. It tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who, after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, turns to producing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's financial future. Chemistry plays a central role in the show's storyline, as Walter uses his knowledge and expertise to create a high-quality product that gains notoriety in the criminal underworld.

The Accuracy of Breaking Bad's Chemistry

The show's creators were committed to ensuring the scientific accuracy of the chemistry portrayed on screen. They worked closely with chemistry experts, including Dr. Donna Nelson, a professor of chemistry at the University of Oklahoma, who served as a science consultant for the series. This attention to detail helped make the show's depiction of chemistry more believable and engaging.

For example, the synthesis of methamphetamine shown in Breaking Bad closely resembles the actual process used in clandestine labs, albeit with some modifications for dramatic effect. The use of red phosphorus and hydroiodic acid as reagents, as well as the purification techniques employed by Walter, demonstrate a realistic portrayal of the chemical reactions involved.

Why Walter White's Actions Would Be Nearly Impossible in the UK

While the chemistry in Breaking Bad is generally accurate, it's important to note that replicating Walter White's actions in the UK would be nearly impossible due to strict regulations on the sale and purchase of chemicals. The UK has implemented various measures to prevent the illegal production of drugs, such as the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which controls the possession, supply, production, and import/export of drugs (Gov.uk, 2023). This act includes restrictions on the sale of chemicals commonly used in drug synthesis, such as ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and red phosphorus.

Additionally, the UK introduced the Poisons Act 1972 (Gov.uk, 2023), which regulates the sale, supply, and possession of certain chemicals that could be misused for illegal drug production. This act requires suppliers to maintain a register of sales and to report any suspicious transactions to the authorities.

Furthermore, the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) actively investigates and prosecutes individuals involved in the illegal production and distribution of drugs. In recent years, the NCA has taken down numerous clandestine laboratories involved in the production of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine (NCA, 2020).

 The Dangers of Methamphetamine

 Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a highly addictive and dangerous drug with severe side effects. Long-term use can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other organs, as well as a host of physical and psychological problems, including memory loss, severe dental issues, hallucinations, and paranoia.

The Alarming Rise of Crystal Meth: A Global Concern

The dark reality of crystal meth is far from the fictional world of "Breaking Bad." Tracking the rise of crystal meth use in the UK from the end of the show in 2013 to the pre-pandemic year of 2019, we see a concerning trend. In 2013, there were 775 crystal meth users in England and Wales, which increased to 1,460 users by 2019 (NCA, 2020). Meanwhile, in the United States, methamphetamine use has been a more widespread problem. In 2012, there were an estimated 1.2 million users, which increased to 1.9 million users by 2018 (NIDA, 2019). The larger scale of methamphetamine abuse in the US highlights the importance of addressing this issue globally.

With such alarming statistics, it's essential to focus on the positive aspects of chemistry and its potential to improve our lives, rather than the devastating consequences of drugs like methamphetamine.