Do data centers impact our physical health? Studies are few and far between. | Business & Economy | dnronline.com

The rapid expansion of data centers, with 80 new projects proposed in Virginia alone, is prompting growing concerns among Pennsylvanians regarding energy prices, water consumption, and potential public health impacts. Despite these worries, a new analysis highlights a significant lack of direct research into the health effects of these facilities.

Neha Gour, a PhD candidate at George Mason University, co-authored a February analysis focusing on Virginia's "Data Center Alley." The study concluded that while data centers present "significant health and environmental challenges," they can be designed and operated safely by prioritizing sustainability. The most direct health impact identified is noise pollution, which operates 24/7 at decibel levels near or exceeding federal recommendations, potentially leading to sleep disruption, heart disease, and chronic stress. Broader health concerns stem from the reliance on fossil fuels to meet electricity demand, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Dan Diorio, Vice President of State Policy for the Data Center Coalition, emphasized the industry's commitment to sustainable practices and community collaboration.

Data centers also consume vast amounts of water for cooling. Gour's research advocates for targeted cooling methods and water recycling to mitigate pressure on drinking water supplies. While Virginia's analysis suggested data centers use comparable or less water than other large industrial users, the demand is projected to grow with more facilities. The report also highlights the need for increased transparency and community engagement, as many concerns about noise, water, and electricity are not purely technical but rooted in a lack of trust. Gour emphasized that community well-being and technological development should advance together through evidence-based planning, including environmental monitoring and long-term health studies.

While a Pennsylvania state House bill advanced last week to require public meetings for certain certifications, the legislature has largely adopted a piecemeal approach to data center regulation. Discussions often occur in "tense, often combative zoning meetings," with critics noting that existing laws focus on application criteria rather than comprehensive project evaluation. The industry maintains it strives to be good neighbors and supports job creation and tax revenue, though Gour noted these benefits don't always reach the neediest communities.