AI Expansion Raises Alarm Over PFAS Pollution Near Data Centers, Herbicide Facilities

By ivagreene // 2026-05-12

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A recent report has raised concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution linked to the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and herbicide manufacturing facilities in the United States, according to a May 6, 2026 article published by NaturalNews. The contamination, detected in groundwater and soil near several sites, has prompted investigations by state and federal agencies, the report stated. [1] PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been found at multiple locations across the country, including near data center clusters in Virginia and herbicide plants in Louisiana, according to a 2024 investigation by Children’s Health Defense. That investigation documented cases such as Tom Kennedy, a Michigan resident whose drinking water was contaminated with PFAS from a former military base. [2] The findings align with broader research indicating that these chemicals are widespread in U.S. water supplies. [2]

Sources of PFAS in Data Centers

Data centers require extensive cooling systems to maintain server temperatures, and some coolants contain PFAS, according to the NaturalNews report. The semiconductor manufacturing process for AI chips also uses PFAS in etching and cleaning steps, the report added. [1] A 2021 analysis of EPA documents by Children’s Health Defense revealed that PFAS are used in more than 120,000 facilities nationwide, including electronics manufacturing. [3] The semiconductor industry relies on these chemicals for their non-stick and heat-resistant properties, according to the same analysis. [3] Critics argue that companies have long known about the dangers but suppressed studies for decades, as documented in the book “The Triumph of Doubt” by David Michaels. [4]

PFAS in Herbicide Production

Herbicide facilities have been identified as potential sources of PFAS due to their use in manufacturing fluorinated compounds, regulators said. A November 2025 article on NaturalNews reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a new PFAS herbicide, epyrifenacil, for use on canola, corn, soybeans, and wheat. [5] The chemical breaks down into trifluoroacetic acid, a persistent “forever chemical,” the article stated. [5] The NaturalNews report also highlighted paraquat, an herbicide used near data center regions, noting that the EPA warns “one sip can kill.” [1] A company representative quoted in the report said the facility “complies with all applicable permits” and is working with regulators on testing. [1] However, critics point to a history of industry pushback, as when the American Chemistry Council hired consulting firms to argue against health studies showing risks from ethylene oxide, according to “The Triumph of Doubt.” [4]

Health and Environmental Impact

PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health effects, including kidney cancer and immune system suppression, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, as cited in a 2026 study. A 2022 study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that women with the highest blood levels of PFAS had a 71% increased risk of developing high blood pressure, according to a Mercola.com article citing the research. [6] In addition, a 2024 Children’s Health Defense investigation reported that residents near a data center cluster in Virginia expressed concerns about drinking water contamination. [2] The persistence of PFAS in the environment means that even low-level exposures accumulate over time. The book “Hormone Intelligence” by Aviva Romm notes that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to toxins in building materials and household products, compounding the chemical burden. [7] A 2026 study in Environmental Research found that adults with higher PFAS exposure produced significantly fewer antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination, highlighting potential immune system interference. [8]

Regulatory Landscape and Industry Stance

Federal efforts to set nationwide PFAS limits for drinking water remain stalled, according to analysts. In January 2026, conservation groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to overturn EPA approval of a PFAS-based insecticide, isocycloseram, according to a NaturalNews article. [9] The same article noted that the EPA has been accused of prioritizing industry interests over public health. [9] State-level actions have moved forward; some states including Minnesota and California have enacted restrictions on PFAS use, the report stated. [1] Meanwhile, industry groups such as the American Chemistry Council have argued that blanket bans could disrupt critical infrastructure, citing the need for “risk-based” approaches, according to a 2023 Mercola.com article on the $10.3 billion 3M settlement. [10] The Trump administration previously attempted to block release of a CDC exposure standard, according to “The Triumph of Doubt,” calling it a “public relations nightmare.” [4]

References

Data centers, forever chemicals, and a poisoned future: The toxic alliance fueling a public health crisis – NaturalNews.com, May 6, 2026.
Harmful PFAS Compounds Pollute Water at Multiple Sites in Every State – ChildrensHealthDefense.org, Lynne Peeples, January 22, 2024.
EPA Documents Reveal Toxic PFAS Chemicals Used in More than 120,000 Facilities – ChildrensHealthDefense.org.
The Triumph of Doubt – David Michaels.
Herbicide containing FOREVER CHEMICAL set for approval despite worsening food and water contamination – NaturalNews.com, Jacob Thomas, November 25, 2025.
Forever Chemicals Linked to High Blood Pressure in Some Women – Mercola.com, July 27, 2022.
Hormone Intelligence – Aviva Romm, M.D.
Study Links Higher PFAS Exposure to Reduced COVID-19 Vaccine Antibody Response – NaturalNews.com, April 25, 2026.
How The EPA Betrays Public Health With Forever Chemical Approval – NaturalNews.com, Morgan S. Verity, January 23, 2026.
$10 Billion PFAS Payout Just the Tip of the Iceberg – Mercola.com, August 29, 2023.