Toxic Threat: AI Data Centers Accused of Polluting Communities with 'Forever Chemicals'

As of November 2, 2025, a growing concern has emerged around the environmental impact of the AI industry. Health and environmental advocates are warning that the data centers powering the AI boom may be releasing harmful "forever chemicals" into nearby communities.

The issue centers around the use of PFAS gas, or f-gas, for cooling purposes in data centers operated by tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. These chemicals, known as "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the human body and the environment, have been linked to reproductive issues, cancers, and other serious health conditions.

While the AI industry has celebrated the promise of its technology, experts are now sounding the alarm on the potential costs. Data centers require massive amounts of energy and water, and the use of f-gas for cooling adds another environmental concern. Advocates fear that as the industry continues to grow, the health risks could escalate, particularly in marginalized communities.

Concerningly, companies are not required to report their f-gas usage, and no regular testing is being conducted at data center sites. This lack of transparency and oversight has allowed the issue to remain largely underexplored, despite the potential for widespread contamination.