Tech Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson Raises Alarm Over India’s Air Pollution Crisis

Calls for Urgent Action to Address Health and Economic Impacts

During a recent visit to India, American tech entrepreneur and longevity advocate Bryan Johnson publicly voiced serious concerns over the country’s worsening air quality, describing it as a “pretty serious health situation.” Johnson’s remarks have reignited discussions on the health and economic implications of air pollution in India. ​

While in Mumbai, Johnson experienced immediate physical discomfort, including burning eyes and throat irritation, despite using air purifiers and wearing an N95 mask. He shared his experience on social media, stating, “I arrived in Mumbai yesterday, and even with air purifiers in my hotel room and wearing a N95 mask outside, my throat and eyes burn. I agree, it’s a pretty serious health situation”.

Johnson’s concerns are supported by alarming statistics. India is home to 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities, with air pollution contributing to approximately 1.67 million premature deaths annually.  In Delhi, PM2.5 levels have been recorded at 110 μg/m³, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 μg/m³. 

Highlighting the broader implications, Johnson stated, “India would save more years of life by solving air pollution than curing cancer,” emphasizing that improving air quality could add 3.57 years to the average Indian’s lifespan and unlock $95 billion in economic growth, equivalent to 3% of India’s GDP.   

In response to the crisis, Johnson has proposed several practical measures:

• Use of N95 Masks Outdoors: To minimize inhalation of harmful particles.​
• Installation of AIR purification Solutions / Filters Indoors: To reduce indoor pollution levels.​
• Monitoring Air Quality: Using portable devices to stay informed about environmental conditions.

Johnson’s observations have sparked a broader conversation about the normalization of air pollution in India. He expressed confusion over the lack of widespread mask usage and questioned why Indian leaders have not declared it a national emergency. ​

Environmental experts echo Johnson’s concerns, emphasizing the need for systemic action. Sunil Dahiya, Founder and Lead Analyst at EnviroCatalysts, stated, “Air pollution has been normalized, not due to indifference, but due to slow systemic action and weak accountability.” Jyoti Pande Lavakare, founder of Delhi-based NGO CareforAir, added, “It’s time we stopped this nonsense and just cleaned our toxic air. Other countries have done it; it’s not rocket science.”​

Johnson’s candid remarks have brought renewed attention to India’s air quality crisis, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions and public awareness to address this pressing health and environmental issue.

In seeing the video and having traveled the world and experienced what Bryan Johnson has seen and felt in person, Chris Shahabi, founder and Clean Air Advocate at Oxygen, expressed his disbelieve in how people are so ill-informed about air contamination, and disappointed with politicians in metropolitan cities who are not pushing for standards to use infused natural mineral in coatings (paint) that are proven to kill bacteria, pollutants and air contaminants on walls, especially indoors. 

Organic and biological contaminants have a direct effect on vital organs in the body leading to major long term health conditions namely on respiratory, immune and brain function.  “This is why we have invested in Oxygen, a coating that can do its part to help minimize the negative impact of what experts are calling, the Silent Killer” added Shahabi.

According to the world health organization there are over 200 Toxic cities in the world, Delhi is certainly one of them.