In February 2025, American tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his advancements in biotechnology and health optimization, made headlines after abruptly leaving an episode of Nikhil Kamath's "WTF is" podcast in Mumbai. The reason? Poor indoor air quality.
During the recording, Johnson, who follows a strict health and longevity-focused lifestyle, noticed alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels inside the studio. He reported an AQI of 130 with PM2.5 levels at 75 µg/m³, equating it to smoking approximately 3.4 cigarettes over 24 hours. Even with his personal air purifier in use, Johnson began experiencing throat irritation, skin rashes, and discomfort, which ultimately forced him to cut short his participation and leave the session.
Following his abrupt exit, Johnson took to social media to raise awareness about India’s air pollution crisis, emphasizing that tackling air pollution should be a top priority for improving public health. He made a powerful statement, saying:
“Cleaning up India’s air will do more for public health than curing cancer.”
His remarks have since sparked nationwide discussions on environmental health, with many citizens and experts echoing his concerns. While India has long battled air pollution issues, Johnson’s experience has reignited the urgency for stronger policy interventions, better air quality management, and collective action to safeguard public well-being.
As the conversation around sustainable urban living and pollution control gains momentum, Johnson’s unexpected walkout serves as yet another wake-up call on the serious impact of air pollution—not just on daily life but on long-term health and quality of living in major cities like Mumbai.