Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of seventeen metallic elements, including lanthanides, Sc, and Y, with applications in modern technology. However, their long-term and large-scale mining and use have caused significant environmental pollution and raised concerns about human health. REEs can enter the human body through various pathways, leading to organ and system dysfunctions via genetic, epigenetic, and signaling pathway changes. This review summarizes current research on the toxicity of REEs on human health, highlighting their adverse effects on the respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive, and other systems. REEs can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, leading to deposition in various tissues and organs, and causing damage. Studies show that REEs can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, contributing to diseases such as lung fibrosis, neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disorders, and reproductive issues. The mechanisms of REE toxicity involve genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as alterations in signaling pathways. Despite existing research, the full understanding of REE toxicity and its mechanisms remains limited, and further studies are needed to assess the health risks and develop effective prevention strategies. The review also discusses the challenges in assessing REE exposure and the need for more comprehensive research to address the potential health impacts of REEs.Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of seventeen metallic elements, including lanthanides, Sc, and Y, with applications in modern technology. However, their long-term and large-scale mining and use have caused significant environmental pollution and raised concerns about human health. REEs can enter the human body through various pathways, leading to organ and system dysfunctions via genetic, epigenetic, and signaling pathway changes. This review summarizes current research on the toxicity of REEs on human health, highlighting their adverse effects on the respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive, and other systems. REEs can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, leading to deposition in various tissues and organs, and causing damage. Studies show that REEs can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, contributing to diseases such as lung fibrosis, neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disorders, and reproductive issues. The mechanisms of REE toxicity involve genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as alterations in signaling pathways. Despite existing research, the full understanding of REE toxicity and its mechanisms remains limited, and further studies are needed to assess the health risks and develop effective prevention strategies. The review also discusses the challenges in assessing REE exposure and the need for more comprehensive research to address the potential health impacts of REEs.