How loud is too loud? Dubuque County weighs health risks of data center hum
Dubuque County is considering new regulations regarding noise from prospective hyperscale data centers. Health officials warn that constant industrial noise poses serious long-term health risks, prompting residents to advocate for strict property line setbacks and decibel caps.
The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors held a data center work session where the environmental impact, particularly noise, took center stage. KCRG-TV9's Duane Vetter reported that health officials warned industrial sounds from data centers are not just irritating but an invisible health threat. Residents expressed concerns about their quality of life, pushing for strict property line setbacks and decibel caps to protect human and animal health.
Studies indicate data centers operate around 70 decibels, comparable to constant freeway traffic. Dr. Dolter explained that noise acts as an environmental pollutant, causing a stress response, disrupting circadian rhythms, and leading to inflammation and other associated disorders. Given these health implications, the Board of Health recommended that Dubuque County establish noise limits across all industrial developments, not just data centers, as the Supervisors continue to deliberate on where to set these regulatory boundaries.