If you’ve been following the world of tech billionaires and their quest for longevity, you’ve probably heard of Bryan Johnson, the guy spending millions to reverse aging. But his latest headline wasn’t about cutting-edge anti-aging science. Instead, it was about air.

More specifically, the air quality in India, where he recently walked out of an interview with Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, because the indoor air quality wasn’t up to his standards.

The Walkout: A Lesson in Air Awareness

Let’s set the scene: Johnson, who takes air quality very seriously, was in a five-star hotel in India, recording an episode for Kamath’s podcast. He had an air purifier running. He was wearing an N95 mask. And yet, when he checked the Air Quality Index (AQI) indoors, it was 130, with PM2.5 levels at 75 µg/m³.

According to his calculations, breathing that air for 24 hours was equivalent to smoking 3.4 cigarettes. That was enough for him to cut the interview short and leave.

His reaction was extreme, but was it justified? Let’s break it down from an air quality expert’s perspective.

I’ve spent years diving deep into air quality research, and let me tell you, I’ve walked into plenty of rooms where the air just felt off. One time, I flew into a big city for a conference, excited and ready to go, only to wake up the next morning with a scratchy throat, stinging eyes, and this weird, heavy feeling in my chest.

And mind you, this was in a fancy hotel, the kind where you’d expect pristine everything. That was my wake-up call, indoor air pollution isn’t just some abstract problem; it’s sneaky, it’s everywhere, and it’s probably affecting us more than we realize, even in places that look spotless.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters More Than You Think

For many of us, air quality isn’t something we actively think about, until we have to. Johnson’s experience serves as a wake-up call. We tend to assume that indoor spaces shield us from outdoor pollution, but that’s not always the case.

In fact, research shows that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in urban environments.

Factors like poor ventilation, particulate matter from outdoor pollution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture and cleaning supplies, and even mold spores can degrade indoor air quality.

In high-pollution cities, keeping the windows shut isn’t always enough. Without proper filtration, the air inside can carry the same pollutants as the air outside, sometimes at even higher concentrations.

The Global Air Crisis, And Why It’s Not Just an India Problem

Johnson noted that he was surprised by how normalized air pollution seemed in India, where people, kids included were walking around without masks. But this isn’t just an issue for one country.

Air pollution is a global crisis, and even in the U.S., certain cities struggle with poor air quality, particularly during wildfire season in the West or in high-traffic urban centers.

The fact is, air pollution doesn’t respect borders. Whether you’re in New Delhi, Los Angeles, or Beijing, prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even cognitive decline.

And let’s not forget how important clean air is for longevity, something Johnson himself is obsessed with.

What Can We Do? Simple Steps to Breathe Easier

If you’re concerned about the air you’re breathing indoors (and you should be), here are a few expert-backed strategies to improve indoor air quality:

Invest in a high-quality air purifier: Look for HEPA filters that can trap PM2.5 and smaller pollutants.

Monitor indoor air quality: Devices like AQI meters can give you real-time data on the air inside your home.

Use air-purifying plants: While plants alone won’t filter out all pollutants, species like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies can help absorb toxins and improve air freshness.

Limit indoor pollutants: Be mindful of household chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and gas stoves, which can release harmful VOCs.

Ventilate wisely: If outdoor air quality is poor, use filtered ventilation instead of opening windows during peak pollution hours.

What Bryan Johnson Got Right (And What He Didn’t)

Was Johnson’s walkout dramatic? Yes. But was his concern valid? Also yes. Air pollution is a silent crisis that affects millions globally, and it’s easy to underestimate its long-term impact.

That said, there’s a balance to strike. While hyper-vigilance about air quality is understandable, for most people, the solution isn’t to walk away but to take proactive steps to improve their own environment.

Whether you’re living in a high-pollution city or just want to breathe cleaner air at home, being aware and making small changes can have a significant impact on your long-term health.

So, the next time you think about health and longevity, don’t just focus on diet and exercise. Start with the simplest yet most fundamental need: the air you breathe.