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Alexander Hoepker in lab coat.

Alexander Hoepker in lab coat.

New research co-authored by UB RENEW Scientist Alexander Hoepker has found that some "forever chemicals" are even more acidic than previously thought. Inset Photo: Douglas Levere

Forever chemicals are more acidic than we thought

_{Release Date: September 10, 2025}

Many of these toxic chemicals are highly acidic, meaning they easily give up their protons and become negatively charged. This allows them to dissolve and spread in water more easily. Now, new research has found that some PFAS are even more acidic than previously thought — an insight critical for predicting their mobility in the environment and potential impacts on human health.

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