‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn
Environmental campaigners warn that major chemical manufacturers are increasing production of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' to meet the cooling and semiconductor needs of the AI industry. Critics argue this expansion threatens global health and undermines efforts to regulate these persistent pollutants.
Why it matters
It highlights the environmental trade-offs of the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and the hidden costs of high-tech manufacturing.
Increased production risks undermining moves to restrict Pfas in Europe, the UK and US, said ChemSec. Increased production risks undermining moves to restrict Pfas in Europe, the UK and US, said ChemSec. Pfas ‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn Big manufacturers planning to produce more of the forever chemicals to meet demand from datacentres
Prefer the Guardian on Google Pfas companies are launching a “tidal wave” of forever chemicals production to meet demand from the AI industry, a campaign organisation has warned.
Despite alarm over the chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, a survey of the 10 biggest manufacturers found most had plans to increase production.
Many frame their investments around the “AI revolution”, because of the role Pfas play in semiconductor production and next-generation datacentre cooling systems.
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