Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson, known for his anti-ageing initiatives, abruptly left a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath during his visit to India due to severe air pollution, which he described as causing skin irritation and respiratory discomfort. Johnson highlighted the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 130 in the recording room, equating it to smoking 3.4 cigarettes daily.
He expressed concern over the normalisation of air pollution in India and questioned governmental inaction on public health crises, drawing parallels with America’s obesity epidemic.
Severe Air Quality Concerns
During the podcast recording, Johnson revealed that the AQI inside the studio reached 130, with PM2.5 levels at 75 µg/m³. He noted that this level of pollution made his skin break out in a rash and caused burning sensations in his eyes and throat after just three days in India. In a candid post on social media, he stated, “The problem was that the room we were in circulated outside air which made the air purifier I’d brought with me ineffective.”
Johnson’s experience highlights a critical issue: many people, including vulnerable groups such as children, are exposed to hazardous air quality without adequate protective measures. He expressed astonishment at how accustomed locals seemed to be to the hazardous air quality, stating, “Air pollution has been so normalised in India that no one even notices anymore despite the science of its negative effects being well known.”
Public Health Crisis: A Global Perspective
Johnson’s abrupt departure from the podcast has ignited discussions about the broader implications of air pollution as a public health crisis. He highlighted that while India’s air quality issues are severe, they are not isolated. After returning to the United States, Johnson reflected on how the normalisation of public health crises is not unique to India.
He compared India’s air pollution crisis to America’s obesity epidemic, noting that “42.4% of Americans are obese.” He remarked that in many contexts, obesity is worse than air pollution in the long term. This comparison underscores the need for urgent attention to both issues and challenges society’s acceptance of poor health standards.
Background on Air Quality Issues
The incident has sparked discussions about air pollution not only in India but globally. Nithin Kamath, Zerodha CEO, echoed Johnson’s sentiments by stating that high AQI readings were not confined to Delhi but prevalent across various regions, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. After their podcast recording, he noted that even in quieter areas of Bengaluru, AQI readings were surprisingly high due to ongoing construction and poor infrastructure. This revelation challenges the misconception that air quality issues are limited to specific cities or seasons.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stands firm on advocating for urgent action regarding public health crises like air pollution. The normalisation of such issues poses a significant threat to community well-being and must be addressed with empathy and urgency. As citizens of a rapidly urbanising world, we must engage in constructive dialogue about environmental health and advocate for policies that prioritise clean air for all. How can we collectively push for change in our communities to combat these pressing environmental challenges?
As we reflect on Bryan Johnson’s experience and its implications for public health in India and beyond, it is essential for individuals and communities to take proactive steps toward improving air quality. Initiatives such as tree planting drives, promoting public transport usage, and supporting local policies aimed at reducing emissions can make a significant difference. What actions do you think should be prioritised in your community to address air pollution? Your thoughts could inspire change!
