The burgeoning demand for AI infrastructure is driving an increase in the production of PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," which are being used as an alternative to water for cooling data centers. Major chemical producers like Daikin Industries, Arkema, and Chemours are expanding their PFAS capacity to meet this demand, despite the significant environmental and health costs associated with these persistent chemicals. Concerns are rising over potential leaks of these chemicals from data centers, with environmental groups actively petitioning regulatory bodies to reject new PFAS applications for cooling systems. AI
IMPACT Accelerated demand for AI compute is driving increased production and use of persistent, harmful chemicals for cooling, raising environmental and health concerns.
RANK_REASON Report on increased production and use of harmful chemicals driven by AI infrastructure growth. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.7]
- Arkema
- Chemours
- ChemSec
- Daikin Industries
- data centers
- PFAS
- Statista
- US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
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