GUWAHATI: American entrepreneur and age-reversal advocate Bryan Johnson, who visited India for the first time in December last year, has once again raised concerns over the country’s air pollution levels and the lack of urgency shown by authorities in addressing the issue.
ALSO READ: SC To Hear Pleas Against Recent Waqf Law Amendments On April 16
In a video posted on X, Johnson described his experience in India as both memorable and alarming. While expressing appreciation for India’s culture and hospitality, he said he was shocked at how widespread air pollution had become and how accustomed people appeared to it. “I loved being in India. My first time,” he said. “But I was shocked by how normalised Indians are to poor air quality.”
Johnson further compared the air in Indian cities to “smoking multiple cigarettes a day” and questioned why few people used masks or indoor air purifiers. “I am unsure why India's leaders do not make air quality a national emergency,” he added. During his trip, he was seen wearing a mask and carrying an air purifier for personal use.
In the video, Johnson also said, “I think they have right now the worst air quality in the entire world, and it’s interesting that nobody is wearing a mask. It’s awful—it’s like being in the middle of a fire.”
The remarks drew mixed reactions online. While some users urged him to continue highlighting the issue to increase public pressure, others pointed to broader structural problems such as overpopulation, poverty, and lack of access to basic services. Some critics also accused him of using negative commentary about India for publicity.
During a visit to Mumbai in February earlier this year, Johnson appeared on a podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. He later walked out mid-session, citing poor indoor air quality. He stated that the air purifier he brought was ineffective due to the venue’s use of outside air.