This review provides an overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), their applications, sources, and potential impacts on human health. PFAS are synthetic compounds that are highly persistent in the environment due to their resistance to degradation and strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They are widely used in various industrial, domestic, and consumer products, including fire-fighting foams, waterproofing agents, and food packaging. PFAS can be found in human blood serum at concentrations up to hundreds of µg/L, with nearly all Americans having detectable levels. PFAS exposure is associated with various health effects, including immunotoxicity, thyroid and kidney disorders, cancer, and reproductive issues. Emerging PFAS, such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (Cl-PFESA), are highly persistent and common in global surface waters. PFAS have been banned in the EU due to their toxicity, and alternatives such as short-chain PFAS are now used. PFAS can be detected in environmental matrices using traditional methods like liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and advanced methods like fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance (¹⁹F NMR). However, traditional methods are costly and not widely available, while emerging methods are less sensitive. PFAS contamination is widespread, with sources including industrial waste, firefighting foams, and contaminated soil. PFAS can enter the human body through various routes, including drinking water, soil, and consumer products. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health effects, including immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and kidney disorders. Future research is needed to better understand PFAS behavior, develop effective removal techniques, and assess their long-term health impacts. The review highlights the need for further studies to address the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS.This review provides an overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), their applications, sources, and potential impacts on human health. PFAS are synthetic compounds that are highly persistent in the environment due to their resistance to degradation and strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They are widely used in various industrial, domestic, and consumer products, including fire-fighting foams, waterproofing agents, and food packaging. PFAS can be found in human blood serum at concentrations up to hundreds of µg/L, with nearly all Americans having detectable levels. PFAS exposure is associated with various health effects, including immunotoxicity, thyroid and kidney disorders, cancer, and reproductive issues. Emerging PFAS, such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (Cl-PFESA), are highly persistent and common in global surface waters. PFAS have been banned in the EU due to their toxicity, and alternatives such as short-chain PFAS are now used. PFAS can be detected in environmental matrices using traditional methods like liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and advanced methods like fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance (¹⁹F NMR). However, traditional methods are costly and not widely available, while emerging methods are less sensitive. PFAS contamination is widespread, with sources including industrial waste, firefighting foams, and contaminated soil. PFAS can enter the human body through various routes, including drinking water, soil, and consumer products. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health effects, including immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and kidney disorders. Future research is needed to better understand PFAS behavior, develop effective removal techniques, and assess their long-term health impacts. The review highlights the need for further studies to address the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS.