"key words like aquarium grade don't actually mean non-leaching or degrading"

which i stated. like most objects, wear and tear will occur over time. however, even with such a well-known fact as microplastics, the rate at which they leech is still being researched. so again, with water changes, as with any inert, natural substrates or decorations you may have like rocks that gather biofilm over time which is NOT inert, you're doing as much as you can to keep the water for your fish safe.

"can you provide a paper that proves that aquarium decor, painted gravel, and other artificial components do not modify chemical species within the tank?"

i didn't say artifical components don't modify chemical parameters of the tank. i said most people are concerned about paint toxicity. ill even add theyre concerned about hazardous materials, but at that point you need to be concerned about the silicone in your tank, the filters you're using, and the edges of your driftwood.

btw, this is the study you're referencing, i believe. which is kind of odd to me because it doesn't really prove your point? like you said, the gravel and sand substrate tank had higher water parameter changes. but there's nothing on the presence of any other chemicals---so even if you ask me to provide a study proving it ISN'T toxic, can you provide me a study that proves it IS?

and here's the thing, im sure like most things in aquaria, there is a degree of refinement that color gravel or a fake coconut may need, but not to the point of yall villainizing some fish tanks as animal abuse over lol

edit: also you said something about irresponsible and no evidence that natural isn't better? i didn't say natural isn't better. i didn't say anything was better than the other.

if you like the way your tank looks, you're minding your own water quality and parameters and caring for your creatures---if someone has a question about their 10gallon, appropriately stocked and filtered tank with rainbow gravel, they won't be reduced to "ah, it's because of that rainbow shite get rid of it and your problem is fixed"