660: Chemtrails | Skeptical Sunday

Mind Control

Jordan Harbinger and David C. Smalley dive into the chemtrail conspiracy, humorously addressing the idea that the government uses chemtrails for mind control. David sarcastically points out that if the government wanted to poison us, they would just let us eat unhealthy snacks like Doritos. He then explains that the trails seen behind planes are actually dihydrogen monoxide, a harmless substance also known as water 1. Jordan and David emphasize the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating such claims 2.

When you look up and see those trails behind planes, what you're seeing is a potentially dangerous chemical known as oxidane. In some circles, it's referred to as dihydrogen monoxide.

--- David C. Smalley

They highlight how misinformation can easily spread and cause unnecessary fear among the public.

   

Meteorologists

Addressing claims made by meteorologists, Jordan and David discuss a viral clip from 2010 where a weatherman claimed military aircraft were dropping chaff, a substance used to disrupt radar. David clarifies that chaff is made of glass silicate fibers coated with aluminum and is used for military purposes, not for poisoning the public 3. They also debunk the idea that planes can turn chemtrails on and off, explaining that variations in humidity and atmospheric conditions can cause the appearance of intermittent trails 4.

If this was happening, it would be showing — like you won't even be able to see rain on a map, right? Every time the weather map came on, it would be flooded with clouds everywhere and it would constantly look like rain.

--- David C. Smalley

This section underscores the importance of understanding the science behind weather phenomena to avoid falling for conspiracy theories.

   

Misunderstandings

Jordan and David explore public misunderstandings and misinformation about chemtrails. They humorously reveal that dihydrogen monoxide, often cited by conspiracy theorists, is simply water. David shares an anecdote about tricking a conspiracy-minded friend into believing in the dangers of oxidane, only for her to later realize it's just water 5. This highlights how easily people can be misled by scientific-sounding terms.

There's literally oxidane and dihydrogen monoxide coming out of these airplanes. And she was like, "Oh my god, that's effing terrifying. You finally believe something. Welcome to the club."

--- David C. Smalley

The discussion emphasizes the need for critical thinking and scientific literacy to combat misinformation.