GoKawiilAn anonymous reader quotes a report from the Guardian:Another growing source of pollution: datacenters. The report notes how they rely on regional electricity grids where fossil fuels like methane gas and coal still account for a large portion of generation. Many datacenters also use dozens of large diesel-powered backup generators, which emit carcinogenic particulate matter."Children's lungs are still developing," said Will Barrett, assistant vice-president of the ALA's Nationwide Clean Air Policy. "For their body size, they're breathing more air. And also, kids play outdoors, they're more active, they're breathing in more outdoor air [...]. So, air pollution exposure in children can contribute to long-term developmental harm to their lungs, new cases of asthma, increased risks of respiratory illness and other health considerations later in life."
Nearly Half of US Children Are Breathing Dangerous Levels of Air Pollution
Why This Matters
This report highlights the growing impact of data centers on air quality, especially affecting vulnerable populations like children. As the tech industry expands its infrastructure, understanding and mitigating environmental impacts becomes crucial for sustainable growth and public health. Protecting children's health underscores the importance of cleaner energy sources and greener data center practices in the tech sector.
Key Takeaways
- Data centers contribute significantly to regional air pollution.
- Children are especially vulnerable to pollution from tech infrastructure.
- Switching to cleaner energy sources can reduce health risks and environmental impact.
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