The semiconductor industry, crucial for artificial intelligence advancements, faces a significant environmental challenge. It is a major contributor to pollution through the use of harmful chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are notorious for their persistence in the environment and have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and infertility.
In 2024, global chip sales soared over 19%, reaching approximately $628 billion, with further growth expected in 2025. This surge in demand has heightened the urgency to address the environmental impact of PFAS, which are commonly found in everyday products such as nonstick cookware and firefighting foam. Regulators in the U.S. and Europe are starting to implement stricter pollution limits, particularly concerning municipal water supplies.
PFAS have been discovered in various locations worldwide, from rainwater in remote mountains to the blood of nearly every human tested. The chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment. Lee Bell, a technical advisor for the International Pollutants Elimination Network, emphasizes the need to prevent further industrial PFAS pollution and clean up existing contamination. Current methods, like incineration, do not effectively destroy these substances, highlighting the need for innovative technologies.
One company, Oxyle AG from Switzerland, is developing a modular system that can treat contaminated water by generating tiny bubbles that capture PFAS molecules. This method reportedly reduces PFAS concentrations by over 99%, making it more effective than traditional filtration techniques. Despite the growing awareness and regulatory efforts, many semiconductor manufacturers still lack restrictions on PFAS emissions in their wastewater. For instance, a study revealed that one U.S. semiconductor plant had PFAS levels in wastewater as high as 623 parts per trillion, far exceeding the new EPA guidelines limiting concentrations to just 4 parts per trillion.
Conventional water treatment processes are not designed to capture PFAS, which complicates efforts to ensure safe drinking water. Oxyle’s CEO, Fajer Mushtaq, argues for decentralized treatment solutions closer to the pollution source, rather than waiting until the water reaches treatment facilities. Similarly, Steven Lam from Gradiant Corp believes the chip industry can lead the way in addressing these environmental issues by managing their water discharges more effectively.
However, the adoption of new PFAS destruction technologies faces hurdles due to regulatory uncertainty. Different jurisdictions have varying standards for PFAS limits, making it difficult for companies to implement consistent solutions. While some industries are moving away from PFAS, the semiconductor sector still relies on these chemicals for manufacturing advanced chips. The industry group SEMI acknowledges the need for alternatives but points out that proven substitutes are currently lacking.
Oxyle sees potential in the semiconductor market and is in preliminary talks with firms, although its current focus is on groundwater and industrial applications in Europe. Mushtaq stresses the importance of improving waste management rather than outright banning PFAS in the semiconductor industry, as such a ban is unlikely to happen soon. The industry must find a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility as it continues to grow.