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AI Data Centers Emit Infrasound Causing Sickness
11 May
Summary
- Data centers emit infrasound, causing headaches, nausea, and anxiety.
- Noise levels near centers can reach 100dB, causing physical discomfort.
- Infrasound's effects on cardiac function were observed in a study.
A growing number of people living near AI data centers in the US are reporting illnesses linked to infrasound. These low-frequency sounds, often undetectable without specialized equipment, can be 'felt' and cause symptoms like headaches, insomnia, nausea, and anxiety.
Some communities have experienced constant noise levels approaching 100dB. Data centers require extensive cooling for their GPUs, consuming significant energy and generating heat. Backup diesel generators can emit up to 105dB, while some off-grid facilities use loud natural-gas turbines.
A study published in the US National Library of Medicine indicated that infrasound above 100dB can impact cardiac function within an hour. Similar symptoms have been associated with 'Havana Syndrome' in diplomats abroad, highlighting the potential health risks of persistent infrasound exposure.
