# Chemical makers expand PFAS production to meet AI datacenter and chip demand

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-14T06:00:26Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/chemical-makers-expand-pfas-production-to-meet-ai-datacenter-and-chip-demand

## Summary

Campaign group ChemSec warns that major manufacturers are launching a surge in PFAS production to support the artificial intelligence industry. A survey of the ten largest producers revealed that nearly all plan to increase output, citing critical roles for these 'forever chemicals' in semiconductor fabrication and next-generation datacenter cooling systems. Companies like Daikin, Arkema, and Chemours are investing in new facilities specifically to serve AI hardware and liquid cooling needs, framing their expansion as essential for the tech revolution.

Critics argue this expansion undermines ongoing regulatory efforts in Europe, the UK, and the US to restrict PFAS due to severe health and environmental risks. The chemicals, which do not degrade in nature, are linked to cancer and other diseases, with traces found in the blood of over 99% of the global population. While a few firms like BASF are exiting the sector, the majority are doubling down, creating what analysts describe as a hidden liability for the AI boom. ChemSec has urged executives to publicly share their own blood test results to highlight the personal health risks associated with the industry's growth.

## Key points

- Nine of the top ten PFAS manufacturers plan to increase production to serve AI datacenters and semiconductor manufacturing.
- PFAS are essential for two-phase immersion cooling in datacenters and are used in up to 1,000 steps of chip fabrication.
- ChemSec warns that this expansion threatens regulatory phaseouts and highlights health risks, as PFAS are found in 99% of humans.

## Why it matters

This highlights a critical environmental and regulatory conflict: the physical infrastructure driving AI growth relies on toxic chemicals that are increasingly restricted. It signals potential legal and reputational risks for AI companies dependent on PFAS-based cooling and chip manufacturing.

## Sources

1. [‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn](https://theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/14/pfas-firms-tidal-wave-forever-chemicals-ai-industry-demand-datacentres) (The Guardian AI, 2026-09-14)

Part of the developing story: [PFAS Cooling Surge Powers AI Datacenter Expansion](https://digestai.news/thread/chemical-makers-expand-pfas-production-to-meet-ai-datacenter-and-chip-demand) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Chemical makers expand PFAS production to meet AI datacenter and chip demand", 14 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/chemical-makers-expand-pfas-production-to-meet-ai-datacenter-and-chip-demand

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