From Futurism · Joe Wilkins · · 1m 20s
Data centers are flooding the world with forever chemicals
AI boom drives surge in toxic PFAS production that never breaks down naturally and accumulates in our bodies.
In brief
AI boom drives surge in toxic PFAS production that never breaks down naturally and accumulates in our bodies. The data center boom is driving a massive increase in forever chemical production, creating pollution that will persist in the environment and food chain indefinitely. Originally reported by Futurism.
Forever chemicals surge with AI
Nearly all top ten global producers of PFAS plan to ramp up production to meet data center demand. These chemicals never degrade naturally.
PFAS everywhere in data centers
Forever chemicals are used in cooling systems, AI chips, circuit boards, fire suppression, and cable coatings. They're essential to data center construction.
Constant replacement creates waste
Data centers run non-stop, breaking down components remarkably quickly. Owners constantly scrap old parts, sending PFAS into the environment.
Chemicals accumulate in our bodies
When PFAS reach the food chain through contaminated plants and animals, they build up in human bodies and may cause debilitating health problems.
“These companies' expansion plans show that unless governments and regulators insist on a rapid phaseout, we will face a new tidal wave of forever chemicals.”
5,000 gallons of diesel spilled
The Equinix Data Center in Secaucus, New Jersey recently spilled nearly 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel directly into a tributary creek.
Pollution crosses town borders
Data center harms extend beyond property lines, from pollution to straining the grid and driving up electric bills for everyone.
“Data centers create problems that don't stop at municipal boundaries.”
The short version
The data center boom is driving a massive increase in forever chemical production, creating pollution that will persist in the environment and food chain indefinitely.
