A collection of 17 environmental groups, led by Earthjustice, is lobbying the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject the fast-track approval of a new polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) fluid proposed by chemical giant Chemours for use in data centers.

First reported by the Guardian, the coalition accused the company of bad science to downplay the chemical’s toxicity and climate risks. In a formal comment, the coalition warned the EPA that approval of the application would violate the law.

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals that resist heat, water, and grease, and do not break down easily in nature or within the human body.

According to the coalition, the proposed chemical, known as Opteon 2P50, could be more toxic than claimed in the application and requires thorough vetting rather than a fast track permit.

“The unique characteristics of the PFAS class render many of the EPA’s ordinary risk management tools inadequate to assess and prevent their unreasonable risk,” read the comment.

PFAS have been used in two-phase data center cooling systems as a refrigerant. Chemours, in a statement, said the comments failed to acknowledge that the two-phase systems were a “closed loop.” However, while the gas isn't intentionally released, there remains a risk of leakage, which could lead to serious contamination.

The comments allege a range of false claims in the science submitted. Chemours claims that Opteon 2P50’s health risks are low, including reliance on a type of lab rat that is less affected by PFAS’s toxic effects than humans. The comments also alleged a range of missing or limited toxicological data.

The groups also allege that Chemours has a history of releasing dangerous levels of pollution into communities around its plants. Asserting that the approval of a new compound could present a clear and present risk for the public.

Chemours is a major American chemical company that provides performance chemicals, titanium technologies, and thermal solutions. It was created as a spin-off from DuPont in July 2015 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.