# 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.
- Title: Data centers are flooding the world with forever chemicals
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: data centers, pfas, forever chemicals, pollution, toxic chemicals, chemsec, anne-sofie bäckar, equinix, new jersey, environmental contamination, science, Data
- Source: Futurism — https://futurism.com/science-energy/data-centers-surge-toxic-chemical-spill-pollution-pfas
- Author: Joe Wilkins
- Published: 2026-09-16T13:21:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: data centers, pfas, forever chemicals, pollution, ai, toxic chemicals, chemsec, anne-sofie bäckar, equinix, new jersey, environmental contamination, science
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.