What are the "forever chemicals" being used in AI data centers?

The article mentions that the data centers are using PFAS gas, or f-gas, for cooling purposes. These chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the human body or the environment.

How are the "forever chemicals" from AI data centers affecting local communities?

According to the article, the use of these chemicals in data centers has the potential to contribute to production-related contamination, as the chemicals could leak into the air or enter the environment when equipment is disposed of or incinerated.

What is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doing about the use of "forever chemicals" in AI data centers?

The article states that the EPA has announced it will be fast-tracking chemical reviews to advance data center operations, and that the agency plans to "ease" and "reduce" regulations, which has raised concerns among environmental advocates.

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

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

2 Nov

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Summary

AI data centers using harmful "forever chemicals" for cooling
Potential for leaks and contamination, but little regulation
Concerns over health risks and environmental impact

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.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.