We worried about power grids, water shortages, and pollution. Now there’s a new question nobody saw coming... Are AI data centers quietly shaking nearby communities sick?
A suggestion for those wanting to follow this, consider checking out Erin Brockovich. Yes, that Erin Brockovich. She's here on substack and she's already on the data center case.
Is this similar to the Havana Syndrome, first reported around 2016-2017? There have been over 200 cases reported by staff at US Embassies in Cuba, Paris, Geneva, Serbia, Berlin and Vienna.
The outcomes for many of these people have been catastrophic to their lives and careers.
If Data Centres emit the same or similar low-level noise emissions, the fallout may affect thousands.
You are right, the "build now, study later" mentality has a lot to answer for - but by then the data centre owners will have made their money. Bet none of them live near one!
Very informative post Fred! It had me thinking back to times when people were being advised not to build homes near power grids, because they were potentially cancer causing. These centers far exceed power grids, so ya, people shouldn't be so anxious to want them in their cities. I don't want any near me, however, when visiting other provinces, exposure is more likely. Sounds very risky to me. I have lived in cities, but, tiny towns are sounding more & more inviting to me. We have managed a long time without AI, I'm sure we can still manage. Then the water factor, will our Great Lakes be at risk? Oh, & I swam in ALL The Great Lakes haha
What a timely article, Fred. I recently read that some CEOs are complaining that we're too slow here in Canada building data centres. Other than Alberta, of course, where Danielle Smith subscribes to the principle that you need to do something first, and ask questions later. Seems to me that it's a good thing that we're moving much slower than our neighbour to the south. Your recent article about AI in general links seamlessly with this new article. Low frequency vibrations that are below the normal audible range for humans can be, as the anecdotal evidence and basis research indicates, very harmful. When I was younger and working at Canadian General Electric as the engineer in charge of the 25-inch colour television production line, I recall being able to hear the horizontal oscillator at a frequency of 15,750 Hz. However as one ages, their high frequency response drops off. Nonetheless, it's possible that there are a few folks who can actually hear these very low frequencies, and would really suffer if in proximity of a data centre. . Apparently in China, they're developing offshore data centres to mitigate the enormous water needs. Other than probable effects on fish which would be undesirable, the fact that people would be living far from the data centre would be a good thing. Certainly more extensive research needs to be done!
A suggestion for those wanting to follow this, consider checking out Erin Brockovich. Yes, that Erin Brockovich. She's here on substack and she's already on the data center case.
Is this similar to the Havana Syndrome, first reported around 2016-2017? There have been over 200 cases reported by staff at US Embassies in Cuba, Paris, Geneva, Serbia, Berlin and Vienna.
The outcomes for many of these people have been catastrophic to their lives and careers.
If Data Centres emit the same or similar low-level noise emissions, the fallout may affect thousands.
You are right, the "build now, study later" mentality has a lot to answer for - but by then the data centre owners will have made their money. Bet none of them live near one!
Thanks again for the info. Will add it to my research on AI.
Very informative post Fred! It had me thinking back to times when people were being advised not to build homes near power grids, because they were potentially cancer causing. These centers far exceed power grids, so ya, people shouldn't be so anxious to want them in their cities. I don't want any near me, however, when visiting other provinces, exposure is more likely. Sounds very risky to me. I have lived in cities, but, tiny towns are sounding more & more inviting to me. We have managed a long time without AI, I'm sure we can still manage. Then the water factor, will our Great Lakes be at risk? Oh, & I swam in ALL The Great Lakes haha
What a timely article, Fred. I recently read that some CEOs are complaining that we're too slow here in Canada building data centres. Other than Alberta, of course, where Danielle Smith subscribes to the principle that you need to do something first, and ask questions later. Seems to me that it's a good thing that we're moving much slower than our neighbour to the south. Your recent article about AI in general links seamlessly with this new article. Low frequency vibrations that are below the normal audible range for humans can be, as the anecdotal evidence and basis research indicates, very harmful. When I was younger and working at Canadian General Electric as the engineer in charge of the 25-inch colour television production line, I recall being able to hear the horizontal oscillator at a frequency of 15,750 Hz. However as one ages, their high frequency response drops off. Nonetheless, it's possible that there are a few folks who can actually hear these very low frequencies, and would really suffer if in proximity of a data centre. . Apparently in China, they're developing offshore data centres to mitigate the enormous water needs. Other than probable effects on fish which would be undesirable, the fact that people would be living far from the data centre would be a good thing. Certainly more extensive research needs to be done!