A recent study by researchers from the University of California, Riverside and the California Institute of Technology highlights the potential health risks posed by artificial intelligence. Published on December 9, the study predicts that by 2030, air pollution linked to AI's high energy consumption could result in 1,300 premature deaths annually in the United States alone. This issue stems from the significant energy demands of AI models, which often rely on fossil-fueled power sources, contributing to increased air pollution.
Low-income communities are disproportionately impacted, as they often reside near power plants, industrial facilities or data centers responsible for AI-related emissions. In heavily affected areas, exposure per household can be up to 200 times greater than in less polluted regions.
Rising health costs
The study projects that healthcare costs could reach $20 billion annually by 2030 - roughly double the emission-related costs of coal-based steel production in the U.S. These expenses would primarily stem from treating conditions like asthma, cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline.
Researchers call for standardized system and compensation for the disadvantaged
The authors advocate for a standardized reporting system to track pollutant emissions from AI systems and their associated health costs. They also emphasize the importance of prioritizing disadvantaged communities and providing them with adequate compensation. Developing "health-conscious AI" that equally considers ecological and health impacts is seen as a crucial step toward reducing long-term harm.
AI can also save lives
While the study emphasizes the drawbacks of artificial intelligence, it overlooks the significant potential AI holds for the healthcare sector. For instance, AI can assist doctors in making faster and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately helping to save lives. The University of Zurich (in German) provides valuable insights into the opportunities AI presents for intensive care medicine.
Another example is the start-up Throne, which has created an AI-powered toilet camera capable of analyzing bowel movements to detect intestinal diseases early. Moving forward, the challenge for AI companies will be to balance the technology's benefits with its potential negative effects on health and the environment, ensuring a more sustainable and responsible approach to innovation.
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