What are the health risks of pollution from US data centers?

The pollution from diesel generators used in data centers is linked to heart attacks, lung disease, and cancer, with researchers estimating 1,300 premature deaths annually in the US.

How much does the pollution from US data centers cost the country?

Researchers estimate the pollution from data centers could cost the US $20 billion each year through health problems and lost productivity.

Which regions in the US are most affected by data center pollution?

Northern Virginia's "Data Center Alley" and parts of West Virginia are particularly hard hit, as the high concentration of data centers in these areas leads to significant diesel emissions, especially during periods of high demand.

Home / Health / Toxic Plumes from Data Centers Threaten Public Health Across the US

Toxic Plumes from Data Centers Threaten Public Health Across the US

26 Oct

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Summary

5,000+ data centers in the US emit dangerous pollutants
Diesel generators used for backup power release toxic particles
Pollution could cost the US $20 billion annually in health issues

Toxic Plumes from Data Centers Threaten Public Health Across the US

As of October 2025, a vast network of over 5,000 data centers across the United States has emerged as a significant public health concern. These energy-hungry facilities, which form the backbone of the country's artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure, are pumping out dangerous pollutants that can cause serious health issues.

The primary culprit is the diesel generators used to maintain "uptime" during power failures at these data centers. These backup generators release clouds of fine-particle pollution that can spread across state lines, posing a threat to surrounding communities. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) estimate that this pollution is linked to 1,300 premature deaths annually in the US.

The environmental and health impacts of these data centers are often overlooked, according to Professor Francesca Dominici of Harvard University. As demand for AI and cloud computing continues to surge, the pollution from these facilities could soon rival emissions from entire industries, costing the US an estimated $20 billion each year through health problems and lost productivity.