Are these statistics they cite verifiable, or are they just blowing smoke, trying to scare people?

Fine, thanks. (informal)

Plants wilt if they are not watered.

[W]hen we were to assemble in the morning at breakfast, down came my wife and daughters, drest out in all their former splendour: their hair plaistered up with pomatum, their faces patched to taste, their trains bundled up into an heap behind, and rustling at every motion.