Datacenters are crucial for our digital world, but they come with hidden environmental costs. Their demand for electricity and water is already a concern, and now there’s growing fear about the pollution from Pfas, often called “forever chemicals.”
Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon rely on datacenters to handle massive data loads. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the need for these facilities is skyrocketing. However, many don’t realize that these datacenters often use Pfas gas, which can be harmful to the environment.
Pfas are a group of about 16,000 chemicals typically used to make things water- and grease-resistant. They’re called forever chemicals because they don’t break down easily. Research has linked them to severe health problems, including cancer and immune issues.
Experts are worried because Pfas might be more common in datacenters than we think. Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, an attorney at Earthjustice, said, “This issue has been dangerously understudied.” He highlights a lack of information on the long-term effects of Pfas exposure from datacenters.
No regulations currently require companies to disclose how much Pfas or similar chemicals they use. Recent developments suggest this could change. In September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to fast-track reviews of new Pfas used in datacenters. Many advocates argue that this is a step in the right direction, but the datacenter industry claims that Pfas only causes minimal pollution.
Furthermore, Pfas often enters the environment through equipment cooling systems and the manufacturing of semiconductors found in datacenters. When this equipment is disposed of, Pfas can end up in landfills, where they might contaminate local waterways, or they may be incinerated, which doesn’t completely eliminate them.
A growing coalition of environmental groups in Minnesota is working on legislation that would require companies to be more transparent about their Pfas use. Many state lawmakers are also demanding clearer answers about which chemicals are used and how they are disposed of, but the responses have been unsatisfactory so far.
Lenny Siegel, from Chips Communities United, points out the urgency: “The US and China are racing to see who can destroy the environment most quickly.” His call echoes concerns that without sensible regulations, the unchecked expansion of datacenters could lead to wider ecological damage.
The debate around datacenters is ongoing. As more people discuss the environmental implications on social media, it’s clear that the conversation is only just beginning.
For a closer look at the impact of Pfas from various industries, consider the data from the EPA and related scientific reports on chemical exposure. By staying informed, communities can foster stronger demand for accountability and safer practices in the tech industry.
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