Data centers face scrutiny over noise impacts and long-term viability

The rapid expansion of data centers is sparking significant debate regarding environmental impact and long-term economic viability. In regions like Michigan in the United States and parts of Australia, residents are raising concerns over the low-frequency hum produced by the large air-handling units required for cooling. While noise levels below 70 dBA are generally considered safe, the World Health Organization links excessive noise to sleep disruption, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Economically, the demand for data center space is extremely high, with Jones Lang LaSalle reporting that only one percent of North American data center space remains empty. To secure necessary electricity, much of the new development is shifting toward frontier markets in the U.S., such as West Texas and Ohio. However, critics question the long-term sustainability of this massive investment, warning that these structures may become obsolete if the underlying technological infrastructure evolves faster than the physical buildings.