Continuous low-frequency noise from cooling plant reaches homes at levels ordinances are not written to measure
#00205
data-center chillers and fans emit steady tonal and low-frequency sound. Ordinances measure broadband dB(A), which misses the 90 Hz-range tones residents report, so a facility can be simultaneously compliant and intolerable. Modelled buildout reached 77 dB(A) 180 feet from homes.
#00206No study measures health outcomes near data-centers, so noise limits rest on dose-response borrowed from traffic
The cardiovascular and sleep evidence used to justify data-center noise limits was measured on road, rail and aircraft noise, which is intermittent and broadband. No peer-reviewed study measures outcomes in data-centre-adjacent populations, leaving the strongest claims unfounded.