AI Data Centers Pose a Risk for Public Health
Why we oppose a new AI Data Center in Tompkins County: Mini Series Part 6
PFAS in Data Centers
AI Data Centers are known to use PFAS (forever chemicals). PFAS are a class of about 16,000 chemicals most frequently used to make products water, stain, and grease-resistant.
The chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity, high cholesterol, kidney disease and a range of other serious health problems.
They are dubbed “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment.
PFAS Needed for Data Center Equipment
PFAS are needed in data centers’ operations – such as its cooling equipment – which almost certainly leads to some on-site pollution. Meanwhile, PFAS used in the equipment housed in the centers must be disposed of, which is difficult because the chemicals cannot be fully destroyed. A large quantity of PFAS are used to produce the semiconductors housed in datacenters, which will increase pollution around supporting manufacturing plants.
Different PFAS are also applied to datacenters’ cables, piping and electronic equipment. The chemicals are volatile, meaning they can simply move into the air from the equipment.
EPA Fast-tracking Review of New Chemicals Used in Data Centers
The EPA said in September 2025 that they would do an “expeditious review of new chemicals, especially those needed to support our nation’s investment, advances innovation and helps to grow our nation’s economy.”
Specifically mentioned in that September publication, the “EPA will prioritize the review of submissions for new chemicals that are intended for use in data center projects...”
Experts say fast-tracking chemical reviews that have to do with data center technology could lead to the fast approval of new types of forever chemicals — with limited oversight.
"I think they want to impose as few restrictions as possible on chemicals," was said in regards to data centers by Greg Schweer, who served as the EPA chief of the new chemicals management branch from 2008 to 2020.
We Have the Ability to Slow Down the Current Unregulated AI Boom by Rejecting TeraWulf’s Development in Lansing
We should all be considering how the impacts of a large scale AI data center running every hour of every day will impact the health of neighbors, even beyond Lansing or Cayuga Lake. Long-term implications are serious and should not be ignored.
It is our duty to be informed about these big-picture topics related to AI and make the right decision for our community and for our lake. Follow along this week for more of our mini series.
