Air pollution bigger threat than cancer? Age-reversing CEO sounds alarm
India's air pollution levels contribute to nearly 1.67 million premature deaths annually, as per a study published in the Lancet Planetary Health. Diseases linked to air pollution have outpaced cancer as the leading cause of death in India.
In Short
- India has 14 of world's most polluted cities, causing 1.67 million deaths annually
- Delhi's air quality often reaches severe levels, posing high health risks
- Johnson suggests air filters and masks to combat pollution effects
Bryan Johnson, a 45-year-old millionaire tech entrepreneur and longevity advocate, has made headlines for his unconventional mission to reverse ageing and extend human lifespans. However, during his recent visit to India, Johnson shifted the focus to a more immediate and pressing issue: air pollution.
Describing it as a bigger threat than cancer, Johnson called for urgent action and shared practical tips to combat the deadly menace.
Bryan Johnson, while highlighting his visit to India, shared a post on X said, "India would save more years of life by solving air pollution than curing cancer. Here's what you can do in polluted environments."
WHY AIR POLLUTION DESERVES TOP PRIORITY
India is home to 14 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, according to the World Air Quality Report 2023. The country’s air pollution levels contribute to nearly 1.67 million premature deaths annually, as per a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health. Diseases linked to air pollution, such as chronic respiratory conditions, heart diseases, and stroke, outpace cancer as leading causes of death in India. Moreover, children and the elderly are disproportionately affected by the toxic air.
The situation in Delhi, the capital city, is particularly dire. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently hovers in the "severe" category, with PM2.5 levels more than ten times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. This persistent exposure to polluted air is equivalent to smoking several cigarettes a day, posing long-term health risks for residents.
BRYAN JOHNSON'S SOLUTIONS
Johnson, who has invested millions in cutting-edge health technologies, shared simple yet effective ways to mitigate the impact of air pollution:
- Use Air Filters: Install high-quality air purifiers in every room to reduce indoor pollution levels.
- Monitor Air Quality: Carry a portable air quality monitoring device to stay informed about your environment.
- Protect While Travelling: Keep car windows closed and circulate air through the vehicle's internal filtration system.
- Hotel Precautions: Ensure the air conditioning in hotels is continuously running to filter out pollutants.
- Wear an N95 Mask: Use an N95 mask outdoors, especially during high-pollution days, to minimise inhalation of harmful particles.
- The urgent need for policy action.
Experts argue that individual measures, while helpful, are insufficient to tackle the scale of India’s air pollution crisis. Comprehensive policy interventions are needed, including:
- Transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
- Implementing stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles.
- Enhancing public transport systems to reduce vehicular emissions.
- Increasing green cover in urban areas to act as natural air filters.
- Air Pollution: A Leading Cause of Death and Economic Burden in India
World Bank Group report says Air pollution poses a significant health risk in India, contributing to a substantial number of deaths annually. In 2019, approximately 1.67 million deaths in the country were attributed to air pollution, accounting for 17.8 per cent of the total deaths.
In contrast, cancer remains a major health concern in India, with nearly 850,000 deaths reported annually. However, the mortality rate due to air pollution-related diseases, such as chronic respiratory conditions, heart diseases, and stroke, surpasses that of cancer. This highlights the pressing need to address air quality issues to reduce the burden of these diseases.
Furthermore, the economic impact of air pollution is significant. In 2019, lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution accounted for economic losses of US$28.8 billion and $8 billion, respectively.
ARE WE PRIORITISING WRONG BATTLES?
Cancer remains a significant health concern, claiming nearly 850,000 lives annually in India. However, the insidious nature of air pollution, affecting millions more through chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy, makes it an equally pressing issue. Despite this, public awareness and government action remain inadequate.