Residents near AI data centers in the United States are reporting significant noise pollution that extends beyond standard decibel measurements. The complaints focus on a constant low-frequency hum identified as infrasound, which falls below the threshold of human hearing but is physically felt. This phenomenon has sparked community opposition and prompted local governments to place moratoriums on new data center projects.
Backup generators produce noise levels reaching 105dB annually.
The noise levels generated by these facilities reach 96dB continuously throughout the day and week. Backup power systems, specifically on-site gas turbines and diesel generators, produce even louder sounds reaching 105dB. These generators require testing for up to 50 hours annually, further contributing to the acoustic burden on surrounding neighborhoods.
A single modern AI GPU consumes up to 3.7 MWh of power annually, driving high energy demands. Cooling systems account for nearly 40% of this total power usage. The combination of high energy consumption and the necessary backup infrastructure creates a substantial environmental footprint that residents argue is disruptive to their daily lives.
Residents and researchers claim that infrasound and high-frequency noise cause adverse health effects including headaches, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and vertigo. Tom's Hardware analysis notes that the on-site gas turbines can be as loud as a passenger jet. However, the source states that the specific health effects of infrasound require further study to confirm these links.
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