Bryan Johnson Cuts Podcast Short Over India’s Air Pollution, Sparks Debate
Tech entrepreneur and anti-ageing advocate Bryan Johnson abruptly ended a podcast recording with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath during his recent visit to India, citing severe discomfort caused by air pollution.
In a post on X, Johnson stated, “When in India, I did end this podcast early due to the bad air quality. @nikhilkamathcio was a gracious host and we were having a great time. The problem was that the room we were in circulated outside air which made the air purifier I’d brought with me ineffective.”
He explained that the indoor air quality index (AQI) was 130, with PM2.5 levels at 75 µg/m³, equivalent to smoking 3.4 cigarettes per 24 hours. After just three days in India, he reported experiencing rashes, along with burning sensations in his eyes and throat.
Criticism of India’s Normalized Pollution
Johnson expressed surprise over how normalized air pollution seemed in India. “People would be outside running. Babies and small children exposed from birth. No one wore a mask which can significantly decrease exposure. It was so confusing,” he wrote.
He further questioned why India’s leaders had not declared air pollution a national emergency, stating, “I am unsure why India’s leaders do not make air quality a national emergency. I don’t know what interests, money and power keep things the way they are but it’s really bad for the entire country.”
Comparison with U.S. Obesity Crisis
Upon returning to the U.S., Johnson drew a parallel between India’s pollution crisis and America’s obesity epidemic. “When I returned to the U.S., my eyes were fresh to see what is normalized to me. I saw obesity everywhere. 42.4% of Americans are obese,” he remarked, adding, “In many contexts, obesity is worse than air pollution in the long term.”
His statements sparked mixed reactions online. Some users dismissed his concerns, while others inquired about potential solutions to India’s air quality issues.
Podcast Details and Air Quality Measurements
The 47-year-old had traveled to India to promote his book “Don’t Die.” He attended the podcast recording in a five-star hotel equipped with an air purifier and wore an N95 mask.
Despite these precautions, he left midway due to the poor indoor air quality, which registered an AQI of 120. During the discussion, Johnson reportedly said, “I can’t see you over there,” when commenting on India’s air pollution.
Steps Taken to Combat Air Pollution
Johnson’s team implemented several measures to mitigate pollution exposure in Mumbai, including portable air quality monitors, keeping car windows shut, wearing N96 masks, and carrying portable air purifiers.
On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as Delhi’s AQI dropped below 300.
Johnson’s Anti-Ageing Mission and Longevity Research
A millionaire tech entrepreneur, Bryan Johnson is known for his efforts in reversing ageing. He sold his company Braintree to PayPal for $800 million and now dedicates much of his time to anti-ageing research.
His project, Blueprint, is an initiative designed to reset his biological clock and achieve the health of a younger person.
As part of his longevity efforts, Johnson spends nearly $2 million annually on a strict health regimen, including a vegan diet, extensive supplements, and rigorous exercise.
His daily routine includes waking up at 5 a.m., consuming all meals between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., and engaging in strength training, high-intensity interval training, and endurance exercises six days a week.
He also undergoes frequent medical tests, including MRIs, blood tests, colonoscopies, and ultrasounds, to track his health metrics. In addition, he explores cutting-edge treatments such as stem cell injections and plasma exchanges to slow down the ageing process.
The Controversial ‘Baby Face’ Procedure
Among Johnson’s various anti-ageing experiments, one of the most controversial was his ‘Project Baby Face.’ This procedure involved injecting fat from a younger donor into his face to restore lost volume.
However, the attempt resulted in a severe allergic reaction, causing extreme swelling that left him temporarily unable to see. It took a week for the swelling to subside, but Johnson remains committed to refining his approach to age reversal.
A Divisive Discussion
Johnson’s remarks on India’s air pollution and its long-term health effects have sparked considerable debate.
While some dismissed his concerns, others acknowledged the severity of the issue and questioned what steps should be taken to improve air quality in metropolitan areas.
His insights into India’s air pollution crisis, coupled with his broader mission to combat ageing, continue to provoke discussions on public health and longevity.
