Data centers are moving away from water and toward "forever chemicals" to keep AI equipment cool. A new report from chemical watchdog ChemSec found that most of the world's biggest PFAS producers are expanding their capacity because of AI infrastructure demand.
PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are being used to handle the enormous amounts of heat generated by data center equipment. The shift matters because it adds a new layer to the growing backlash against data centers.
Why Data Centers Are Using PFAS Instead of Water
Cooling is one of the biggest problems for AI data centers. The equipment produces large amounts of heat, and water has traditionally been one way to manage it. According to the ChemSec report, PFAS are now being used for this job instead.
The report found that major chemical producers are expanding their capacity thanks to AI infrastructure. Among the companies named are Japanese conglomerate Daikin, French materials manufacturing company Arkema, and American chemical company Chemours.
The Political Problem Behind the Data Center Boom
The midterms are six weeks away, and Republicans are walking a fine line. They must meet constituents who oppose data center growth while also agreeing with the president, who continues to advocate for them.
Now there seems to be another wrinkle to the ongoing data center backlash: the release of "forever chemicals" into the air. This puts the data center debate in a new light — it is no longer only about land, power, and water use.
Our Take: This Is a Problem AI Companies Cannot Ignore
To put it plainly, the data center industry has a cooling problem it is solving with chemicals that do not break down. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" for a reason — they stay in the environment. Using them to cool AI equipment may solve one problem while creating another.
In our view, the ChemSec report shows that the AI boom is not just a technology story. It is also a chemical story. When major producers like Daikin, Arkema, and Chemours expand capacity because of AI infrastructure, that is a signal that demand is real and growing.
For readers, the key point is simple: the next time you hear about AI growth, ask what it is doing to the air and water around data centers. The answer may now include forever chemicals.
