American tech billionaire and anti-aging researcher Bryan Johnson recently visited India. He was scheduled to join Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, on his podcast, but he left the interview just 10 minutes after it started. He attributed his departure to the poor air quality in India.
Why Did Bryan Johnson Leave the Podcast? What Happened?
Bryan Johnson, who is renowned worldwide for his pursuit of a youthful appearance and healthy lifestyle, spends more than 16 crore rupees annually on his health, adhering to a rigorous health protocol. When he joined Nikhil Kamath’s podcast in India, the shooting was happening in a five-star hotel.
However, within minutes, Bryan Johnson began to feel uncomfortable. He explained that the room’s air circulation was allowing outside air in, which caused his air purifier to malfunction. The AQI reached 130, and the PM 2.5 level was 75 µg/m³, which is equivalent to smoking 3.4 cigarettes in a single day.
He mentioned that the air pollution in India caused him to experience irritation in his throat and eyes and develop skin rashes, which led him to decide to leave the podcast.
Bryan Johnson’s Concerns About Air Pollution
After the incident, Bryan Johnson took to social media to express his concern, writing, Air pollution in India has become so normal that no one even notices it. People walk around without masks, and they should understand the severity of this issue.
He further stated, If India focuses on improving air quality instead of fighting cancer, many more lives could be saved.
His statement raises a significant question for the Indian government and policymakers. Bryan Johnson remarked, I don’t understand why the leaders of India don’t declare air pollution a national emergency. What interests, money, and power are keeping things the way they are?
What Should India Learn from Bryan Johnson’s Experience?
Bryan Johnson’s reaction has sparked a new debate about air pollution in India. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and other major urban centers, the air quality reaches hazardous levels every winter. However, people have come to accept it as normal.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one million people die each year in India due to air pollution-related diseases.
Is India Ready to Tackle Air Pollution?
Bryan Johnson’s experience has highlighted the urgent need to improve air quality in India. The government has implemented some measures, but their impact remains limited. Will India address this serious issue now? It remains to be seen.
