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AI Boom Fuels 'Forever Chemical' Production Surge
14 Sep
Summary
- Major PFAS manufacturers plan increased production to meet AI industry demand.
- Chemicals used in datacenters and semiconductors pose health and environmental risks.
- Companies frame investments around the AI revolution, ignoring toxicity concerns.
A significant increase in the production of PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," is being planned by major manufacturers worldwide. These chemicals are crucial for semiconductor fabrication and are now in high demand for next-generation datacentre cooling systems, largely driven by the "AI revolution."
Companies like Daikin, Arkema, and Chemours are expanding their operations, citing AI and datacentre needs. Arkema, for instance, is building a new production unit in Kentucky specifically for datacentre cooling demands. These expansions occur despite widespread alarm over PFAS's documented links to various health issues, including cancer and liver disease, and their inability to degrade in the environment.
Critics warn that this production boom risks undermining global efforts to restrict PFAS use. They highlight that these chemicals pose a long-term threat to human and planetary health due to their persistence and accumulation in ecosystems. The use of PFAS in advanced datacentre cooling and semiconductor production is central to the AI industry's growth.
While most major PFAS producers are expanding, some exceptions exist. Archroma is shifting to Pfas-free alternatives, and BASF plans to exit PFAS production by 2028. The pervasive nature of these chemicals is evident, with contamination found in nearly all living beings, raising urgent questions about regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility.
