EPA Prioritizes Data Center Chemical Reviews Amid Concerns
Data centers using PFAS forever chemicals face growing scrutiny from environmental advocates and regulators over pollution and health risks.
Data centers depend heavily on PFAS-based cooling systems.
EPA began PFAS chemical review prioritization in September 2025.
Chemours expanded its West Virginia PFAS facility in October 2025.
Federal court ordered Chemours to stop PFAS discharges.
West Virginia found 27 water systems contaminated with PFAS.
Public water utilities must begin PFAS monitoring by 2027.
PFAS treatment and mitigation systems required by 2029.
Environmental advocates warn about insufficient long-term PFAS studies.
Data centers that power artificial intelligence are drawing scrutiny for their use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. These forever chemicals are used in cooling systems and semiconductor production. Public health advocates warn that PFAS pollution from these facilities poses serious environmental and health risks [1].
Data Center Operations and PFAS
Data centers rely on PFAS in multiple ways. Two phase immersion cooling systems use fluorinated gases based on PFAS to manage heat from AI servers [2]. The Environmental Protection Agency announced in September 2025 that it would prioritize reviews of chemicals used in data center projects under the Toxic Substances Control Act [3].
Semiconductor Manufacturing Demands
Chemours operates a facility in Parkersburg, West Virginia that produces Teflon PFA, a PFAS based resin essential for semiconductor manufacturing. The company began expanded operations at the plant in October 2025 after receiving its wastewater permit [4]. The expansion aims to meet rising demand driven by the CHIPS and Science Act [4].
Health and Environmental Impacts
PFAS exposure has been linked to multiple serious health conditions. Research shows these chemicals can cause immune system dysfunction, cancer, and reproductive harm [5]. In August 2025, a federal court ordered Chemours to stop PFAS discharge from its West Virginia facility due to contamination concerns [6].
West Virginia identified 27 public water systems with detectable PFAS levels in finished drinking water. The state received 18.9 million dollars in federal funding to address emerging contaminants like PFAS in drinking water [7]. Community meetings were held in September 2025 in the Eastern Panhandle to gather input on PFAS action plans [7].
Regulatory Actions and Concerns
The EPA established new rules requiring public water systems to monitor PFAS levels. Several regulatory developments occurred in October 2025:
The EPA proposed extending the compliance deadline for public water systems to meet Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS [8]
Revisions would narrow the regulation to apply only to PFOS and PFOA [8]
The EPA planned to revise data reporting requirements under TSCA in December 2025 [8]
Public water systems must complete initial monitoring by 2027 [9]
Systems with violations must implement solutions by 2029 [9]
Environmental advocates argue that the EPA prioritization of data center chemical reviews may accelerate approvals without adequate safety assessments. Jonathan Kalmuss Katz, an attorney with Earthjustice, stated that PFAS use in data centers has been dangerously understudied and there is not adequate information on long term impacts [1].
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Removed outdated information predating October 8, 2025.
Corrected EPA announcement date to September 2025 from earlier reports.
Updated Chemours facility expansion status to operational October 2025.
Corrected West Virginia water system count to 27 contaminated systems.
Fixed federal funding amount to 18.9 million dollars for PFAS remediation.
Updated EPA compliance deadline proposal to October 2025 timeframe.
Corrected public water system monitoring deadline to 2027.
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Confirm details of EPA’s fast-track review of data center chemicals announced September 17, 2025.
Update two-phase cooling efficiency figures with peer-reviewed comparisons to air cooling.
Verify Chemours Parkersburg expansion timeline and capacity increase under the CHIPS and Science Act.
Cite recent toxicology studies on TFA reproductive effects from top environmental journals.
Assess availability of CO₂-based cooling pilot projects for large-scale data centers.
FAQ
What are PFAS and why are they used in data centers?
PFAS are per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment. Data centers use PFAS in two phase immersion cooling systems that rely on fluorinated gases to manage heat from AI servers. PFAS are also used in semiconductor manufacturing processes to prevent contamination. These chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in human bodies over time.
What health risks are associated with PFAS exposure?
PFAS exposure has been linked to several serious health conditions including immune system dysfunction, cancer, and reproductive harm. Studies show these chemicals can cause increased cholesterol levels, reduced immune response, and developmental issues in children. The EPA has established Maximum Contaminant Levels for certain PFAS compounds in drinking water to protect public health.
What regulations are in place for PFAS in drinking water?
The EPA established new drinking water regulations requiring public water systems to monitor PFAS levels. Systems must complete initial monitoring by 2027 and implement solutions by 2029 if levels exceed Maximum Contaminant Levels. In October 2025, the EPA proposed extending compliance deadlines and narrowing regulations to focus on PFOS and PFOA compounds only.
