By Benson Daniel
Campaigners have raised concerns over a planned surge in the production of PFAS, widely known as “forever chemicals”, as manufacturers expand operations to meet growing demand from the rapidly developing artificial intelligence industry.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in semiconductor manufacturing and in cooling systems for advanced data centres. Their industrial properties make them useful in technologies supporting the expansion of AI infrastructure, but their extreme resistance to breaking down has raised serious environmental concerns.
A survey of the world’s largest PFAS manufacturers found that most are planning to increase production across Europe, Asia and North America. The expansion is being driven partly by rising demand for AI-related hardware, semiconductor manufacturing and data-centre cooling systems.
The chemicals are used in a range of processes involved in producing microchips, while newer data-centre cooling technologies can use PFAS-based fluids to remove heat from servers.
The growth has alarmed environmental campaigners, who warn that increased production could undermine efforts by governments to restrict the use of PFAS because of their persistence in the environment.
Unlike many industrial chemicals, PFAS can remain in soil, water and living organisms for extremely long periods. Their resistance to heat, water and chemical degradation has earned them the description “forever chemicals”.
Scientists have linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds with a range of health concerns, including some cancers, liver and kidney problems, elevated cholesterol and developmental effects.
Campaigners say the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure risks creating an environmental problem that could persist long after today’s technology has been replaced.
Several major chemical manufacturers are already expanding their PFAS-related operations. Some have specifically identified data-centre cooling and AI hardware as areas of growing demand.
One manufacturer is developing a new production facility in the United States to supply refrigerants for expanding data-centre cooling needs, while another is increasing production to serve advanced data centres and AI hardware.
The chemicals are also used in batteries, electronics and other technologies, meaning demand is not limited to artificial intelligence.
However, some companies are moving in the opposite direction. Swiss chemicals company Archroma is developing PFAS-free alternatives, while German manufacturer BASF has said it plans to exit PFAS production by 2028.
Environmental campaigners argue that stronger regulation is needed to prevent the AI boom from creating a new wave of persistent chemical pollution.
The debate highlights a growing challenge for the technology industry: how to expand computing capacity and artificial intelligence while limiting the environmental costs associated with the infrastructure required to power it.
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