American entrepreneur and anti-aging activist Bryan Johnson, known for his ambitious health and longevity project ‘Project Blueprint,’ recently made headlines when he abruptly left a podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath.
The reason? Mumbai’s air pollution. Despite being in a five-star hotel equipped with air purifiers, Johnson found the city’s air quality unbearable, causing irritation to his skin, throat, and eyes. His experience has reignited conversations around the severe impact of air pollution on public health in India.
Bryan Johnson’s Experience in Mumbai
During the podcast recording for ‘WTF is’, Bryan Johnson had to cut the session short due to poor air quality. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Johnson confirmed his departure, stating:
“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.”
Johnson highlighted that even inside a luxury hotel, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 130, with PM2.5 levels reaching 75 µg/m³—equivalent to smoking 3.4 cigarettes per 24-hour exposure. This level of pollution resulted in his skin breaking out in a rash, burning sensations in his eyes and throat, and general discomfort.
Bryan Johnson (@bryan_johnson) is one of the most talked about entrepreneurs globally because of his work on longevity and health. He visited India for the first time to participate in a podcast for Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio)
Johnson was in Mumbai for this podcast and his… pic.twitter.com/WPG5qMmKm6— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) February 4, 2025
The Normalization of Air Pollution in India
One of Johnson’s most striking observations was how normalized air pollution has become in India. He remarked:
“Air pollution has been so normalized in India that no one even notices anymore despite the science of its negative effects being well known. 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.”
Johnson also stressed the importance of prioritizing air quality over other public health concerns, arguing that improving air quality could have a more profound impact on public health than curing cancer. He criticized the Indian government for not treating air pollution as a national emergency and questioned the economic and political interests that might be hindering action.
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.
Inside,… https://t.co/xTkpW567Xv— Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) February 3, 2025
Political Reactions
Johnson’s post caught the attention of political figures in India, including Congress leader and Mumbai MP, Rahul Shewale. Shewale responded by urging immediate action to address air pollution, stating:
“Bryan Johnson’s post is likely to reach entrepreneurs across the US and other countries given his global influence. Is this the kind of image of life quality we wish to project to potential foreign investors? We urgently need a long-term air pollution mitigation policy. It isn't enough to say that in Mumbai we are better than Delhi. There should be no compromise on making air quality optimal.”
The Science Behind Air Pollution’s Impact on Health
Experts have long warned about the harmful effects of air pollution on human health. Dermatologists and pulmonologists emphasize that air pollution can penetrate deep into the skin and respiratory system, causing a range of health issues.
Effects on Skin
Dr. Gunjan Verma, consultant dermatologist at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, explains that pollution can cause:
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Inflammation and irritation, leading to breakouts and rashes
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Exacerbation of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis
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Hyperpigmentation disorders, including melasma and lentigo
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Premature ageing, known as photoaging, due to oxidative stress
According to Dr. Verma, pollutants enter the skin through direct accumulation, hair follicles, inhalation, and even circulation via plasma. Nanoparticles in pollution generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative damage to the skin’s deeper layers.
Effects on Respiratory Health
Dr. Puneet Khanna, Head of Pulmonology at Manipal Hospitals, highlights common respiratory issues triggered by air pollution:
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Watery eyes, nasal congestion, and itching in the throat
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Chest tightness and wheezing
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Persistent dry cough lasting 2-3 weeks
These symptoms, once triggered, often persist for weeks, affecting overall quality of life. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and decreased lung function.
The Urgent Need for Air Pollution Mitigation
India’s air pollution crisis is not new, but Bryan Johnson’s high-profile reaction has once again underscored the need for urgent action. Experts recommend the following measures to combat air pollution:
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Government-led initiatives: Stricter regulations on industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and waste burning
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Public awareness campaigns: Encouraging mask usage, air purifiers, and pollution-reducing lifestyle changes
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Green infrastructure: More green spaces and urban forests to absorb pollutants
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Investment in clean energy: Shifting to renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Bryan Johnson’s abrupt exit from Nikhil Kamath’s podcast serves as a wake-up call for India to take air pollution more seriously. His experience not only highlights the immediate health risks but also questions why such a critical issue remains unaddressed at a national level. With increasing global attention, it remains to be seen whether India’s leaders will treat air quality as the emergency it truly is.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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