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‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn
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'Tidal wave' of PFAS being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn
Campaigners have warned that major chemical manufacturers are preparing a 'tidal wave' of PFAS production to meet demand from the artificial intelligence boom. ChemSec, the Swedish chemicals watchdog, said a survey of the 10 biggest PFAS manufacturers found most had plans to increase output. It warned that the expansion threatens efforts to restrict forever chemicals in Europe, the UK and parts of the United States.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known as forever chemicals because they do not break down in nature. They have been linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease and immune system effects. They are used in semiconductor manufacturing, specialty coatings and next-generation datacentre cooling systems. Regulatory momentum has grown in recent years, with the EU considering a broad restriction and some US states and the UK moving toward tighter controls.
The ChemSec survey found that nearly all of the top 10 manufacturers were planning production increases at sites across Europe, Asia and North America. The AI technology boom was leading demand, with PFAS used at various stages of semiconductor manufacturing and in cooling fluids for high-performance datacentres. Many companies framed their investments around the 'AI revolution' and the need for reliable, energy-efficient computing infrastructure.
Japan-headquartered Daikin said it was launching a datacentre hub to meet demand and promised to maintain and expand its top share in the industry by selling more fluorine products and introducing new ones. The French multinational Arkema was expanding its refrigerant offering with a new $60m production unit in Kentucky, which it said would enable it to follow the rapid expansion of datacentre cooling needs. US producer Chemours was also expanding to meet demand from advanced datacentres and AI hardware, promoting liquid cooling solutions that it said lower energy, water, space, maintenance and investment costs.
Environmentalists argue that this production surge could undermine nascent restrictions on PFAS. Because the chemicals persist and accumulate, increased manufacturing means more emissions, contaminated water and worker exposure. Critics also warn that the boom could create technological lock-in, making it harder to replace PFAS with safer alternatives once datacentres and semiconductor supply chains are built around them.
Anne-Sofie Bäckar, executive director of ChemSec, said: 'These companies' expansion plans show that unless governments and regulators insist on a rapid phaseout, we will face a new tidal wave of forever chemicals.' Industry representatives counter that PFAS are essential for high-performance computing and that some cooling solutions are more eco-friendly because they reduce water and energy use. Opponents say such efficiency claims ignore the toxicity and persistence of the chemicals.
The warning comes as regulators in Europe, the UK and the US weigh stronger restrictions. ChemSec is calling for a rapid phaseout, greater transparency and investment in safer alternatives. If AI demand continues to grow, pressure on governments and technology companies will intensify. Without tougher rules, PFAS production could expand for decades, leaving a lasting legacy of pollution. The decisions made in the next few years will determine whether the AI boom becomes another chapter in forever chemical contamination or a catalyst for safer innovation.
