Data centers, which house the servers and infrastructure powering the digital world, require immense power and cooling. This has generated significant public concern regarding their impact on local communities and potential health hazards. This article examines the scientific evidence to determine if a causal link exists between data center proximity and an increased risk of cancer.
The Primary Concern: Electromagnetic Fields
Public anxiety often centers on the electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by the high-voltage power equipment, transformers, and extensive cabling systems within a data center. Data centers generate non-ionizing radiation, which is energy too low to break chemical bonds or cause direct DNA damage in cells. This energy is similar to emissions from common household electronics and power lines, but on a larger scale. The emissions are classified as Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) fields and radiofrequency (RF) signals.
Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, possesses sufficient energy to damage cellular DNA and is a confirmed carcinogen. Data centers do not produce this type of radiation. Measurements near the perimeter of these buildings consistently show EMF levels comparable to an ordinary office environment. These levels are significantly lower than the exposure received from devices held close to the body, such as a mobile phone. Therefore, the measured output of EMF from these facilities suggest a negligible risk to public health outside the facility walls.
Chemical Emissions and Air Quality
A more tangible health concern arises from the chemical emissions associated with data center operation, particularly regarding air quality. The most significant source of carcinogenic risk is the exhaust from massive, typically diesel-powered, backup generators. These generators, which are tested regularly and run during power outages, emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Diesel exhaust is classified as a toxic air pollutant. PM2.5 is particularly dangerous because these microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Exposure to these pollutants is strongly associated with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and an elevated risk of lung cancer. One model projects that data center-related air pollution in the United States could contribute to nearly 1,300 premature deaths annually by 2030, highlighting a significant public health burden. Localized air quality issues can also stem from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by construction materials or overheated equipment. Proper air filtration systems and strict environmental regulations are necessary to mitigate these identifiable risks to nearby communities.
Heat and Noise as Health Stressors
Data centers produce massive amounts of waste heat and noise, which are recognized health stressors. The necessary cooling infrastructure, including large fans and chillers, generates constant, high-volume, low-frequency noise. This perpetual humming sound can travel long distances and is difficult for the human brain to filter out.
Chronic exposure to this noise pollution is linked to a range of indirect health issues. These include sleep disruption, which impairs cognitive function, and increased physiological stress. Over time, chronic stress and sleep loss contribute to cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and increased heart rate. While noise and heat diminish the quality of life and contribute to overall health decline, they are not classified as agents that directly cause cancer.
Scientific Consensus on Carcinogenic Risk
The scientific literature offers a clear distinction between the perceived and actual health risks regarding cancer. The non-ionizing radiation from electrical components, the primary public fear, has not been established as a cause of cancer at the low exposure levels found outside a data center. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies radiofrequency fields as Group 2B, or “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” This classification is based on limited evidence from very heavy mobile phone use and also includes common agents like pickled vegetables. This classification indicates a hazard that requires continued monitoring, not a confirmed causal link.
The most verifiable and quantifiable carcinogenic risk comes from the air pollution, specifically the diesel particulate matter emitted by backup generators. This established link between fine particulate matter and lung cancer risk means the health impact of a data center is primarily an air quality issue, not an EMF issue. Therefore, while the radiation risk is negligible, the public health consequences depend highly on strict regulatory enforcement of air pollution standards and the transition away from fossil-fuel-powered backup systems.