A coalition of 17 environmental organisations is campaigning for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject a new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) proposed for use in cooling data centres. Chemical giant Chemours is seeking fast-track approval for the compound, Opteon 2P50, but environmental groups argue that the company has understated its potential health and climate impacts.
In formal comments submitted to the EPA, lead author Earthjustice, a legal non-profit, contends that approving Chemours' application in its current form would violate US law. They accuse Chemours of employing flawed scientific methods to minimise the chemical's toxicity and climate risks. This push for a new cooling solution comes as the burgeoning data centre industry faces increasing scrutiny over its substantial water consumption, with some facilities requiring vast quantities of water to operate.
Big tech companies, including Google, have promoted 'two-phase' cooling systems as a less water-intensive alternative. However, these systems typically utilise PFAS 'forever chemical' gases, or f-gases, as refrigerants. Advocates warn that Opteon 2P50 is likely more toxic and poses a greater climate risk than Chemours' application suggests. The chemical is also notable as the first for which industry has sought expedited approval under a controversial executive order focused on data centre chemicals.
PFAS are a class of approximately 16,000 compounds known as 'forever chemicals' due to their inability to naturally degrade, leading to their accumulation in human bodies and the environment. These chemicals are associated with a range of severe health problems, including various cancers, liver disease, kidney issues, high cholesterol, birth defects, and reduced immunity. While Chemours states that two-phase systems are 'closed loop' with low emissions, environmental groups highlight the issue of 'fugitive emissions' (leaks) and the need for safe disposal at the end of the chemical's life cycle.
Further concerns have been raised regarding trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a compound that f-gas can degrade into once in the atmosphere. Although the US EPA does not classify TFA as a PFAS, most other regions globally do. Recent research indicates TFA is more toxic than previously believed, with the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) classifying it as a hazardous chemical this month. ECHA found that TFA likely disrupts thyroid function, diminishes sperm quality, and is toxic to the liver, among other health impacts.