I don't think this is true, and I would like to see an explanation of how it might be that quantifies the effect: are we talking electric field strength or magnetic field strength? Modern parts are generally better at ESD than old ones, as well.
gas stations, at least in europe, have "safety zone" around them.
also depends on data center, some datacenters are directly in middle of european city. in most dense part of city and dense in europe or asia is something else then dense in america.