Data Centers & Health Dangers: Insights From Researcher Michael Cork, Ph.D.

Michael Cork, Ph.D., is considered one of America’s leading researchers of the health effects of the country’s growing hunger for huge data centers. His research estimated that just one data center in Virginia could result in as many as six additional premature deaths per year. He also projected it could lead to an increase in hospital admissions and asthma-related health problems.  

However, developers of another project say Cork’s analysis had “multiple flaws,” including calculations that did not reflect emissions limits from state and federal permitting requirements.

Hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter give Cork an opportunity to explain, while recognizing our reliance on data centers continues to grow.

A recent poll found that two out of every three Americans oppose the construction of new U.S. data centers. Is there a way to mitigate the risks? Cork explains how.