马斯克旗下xAI数据中心空气质量检测结果引发争议

Core Viewpoint - xAI's Colossus data center in Memphis, Tennessee, has raised concerns among local residents regarding air pollution due to its use of natural gas turbines for power generation, leading to scrutiny from relevant authorities [1] Air Quality Testing - The Memphis city government commissioned a third-party organization to conduct preliminary air quality tests on June 13 and 16, which showed that levels of ten pollutants, including benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, did not reach hazardous standards [1] - The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has questioned these findings, representing the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and is threatening legal action against xAI, citing the omission of ozone pollution in the tests [1][5] Health Concerns - SELC highlighted that ozone pollution, commonly associated with smog, can cause respiratory difficulties and is linked to increased rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases [5] Testing Locations and Methodology - Air quality tests were conducted at three locations: downtown Memphis, Whitehaven community, and Boks Town community, with Boks Town being the closest to the xAI data center, approximately two miles away [5] - The testing equipment operated for 10 to 13 hours at each site, but wind direction on testing days may have affected the ability to detect pollutants at these locations [5] - At the downtown testing site, formaldehyde was detected, but its concentration was within the expected range for urban areas, located over eight miles from the xAI data center [5] Methodological Concerns - SELC criticized the testing methods, noting that the equipment was placed directly on building surfaces in Boks Town and Whitehaven, which could interfere with results [6] - According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air sensors should be positioned at least six feet away from ground level and other potential sources of interference [6]