Data Centers: Health Impact Studies Lacking Amid Rapid Expansion in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians are increasingly concerned about the health, energy, and water impacts of rapidly expanding data centers, but research on these specific effects remains limited. A study focusing on Virginia's "Data Center Alley" identified noise pollution as a direct health impact, along with broader environmental concerns related to energy and water use. State and local governments are urged to implement regulations, though Pennsylvania has taken a fragmented approach, with a bill recently advancing to require public meetings.
As data center numbers rapidly grow in Pennsylvania, concerns about their impact on energy prices and water consumption are rising among residents. However, a PhD candidate at George Mason University, Neha Gour, notes a significant lack of direct studies examining the health impacts of data centers themselves, with current evidence stemming from related fields. Gour and her colleagues published an analysis in February, focusing on Virginia's "Data Center Alley," which concluded that while challenges exist, data centers can be designed and operated safely by prioritizing sustainability.
The most immediate and direct health impact identified by Gour's research is noise pollution, with facilities operating 24/7 at decibel levels that can disrupt sleep and pose long-term risks like heart disease. Solutions include strategic site selection for new centers, buffer zones, and re-engineering fan mounts. Broader health concerns are linked to reliance on fossil fuels for electricity, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Data centers' substantial water consumption is also highlighted, with calls for targeted cooling methods and water recycling, though industry representatives like Dan Diorio of the Data Center Coalition emphasize that their water use is comparable to or less than other major industries.
The article notes that while local and state officials could mandate recommendations for sustainable operation, the Pennsylvania legislature has adopted a piecemeal approach, with a current plan for responsible operations being voluntary. A bill recently advanced in the state House aims to require public meetings for certain certifications, though it faced opposition. Diorio stressed the industry's commitment to working with communities and policymakers to ensure responsible development and highlighted the economic benefits, including nearly 130,000 jobs in Pennsylvania in 2024.
Ultimately, Gour advocates for greater transparency, community engagement, and environmental monitoring around data centers. She emphasizes that technological development and community well-being should be advanced together through evidence-based planning, addressing legitimate community questions about noise, water use, electricity demand, and land use.