Data centers are swapping water for forever chemicals to keep AI cool

AI SUMMARY

# AI Data Center Cooling Drives PFAS Expansion Major PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) manufacturers are significantly scaling production to supply cooling systems for AI data centers, according to a ChemSec report, as the industry abandons water-based cooling methods in favor of these synthetic chemicals. This expansion presents both a growth opportunity for chemical producers serving the data center sector and potential regulatory and reputational risks for investors, given increasing environmental and health concerns surrounding PFAS contamination.