Industrial Applications, Environmental Fate, Human Exposure, and Health Effects of PFAS

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental pollutants widely used in industrial applications due to their thermal stability and chemical resistance. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including developmental and immunological issues, have raised significant concerns. This review highlights the industrial uses, environmental fate, and bioaccumulation of PFASs, emphasizing their widespread presence in air, water, soil, and biota. Major sources of PFAS contamination include industrial discharges, wastewater treatment, and military sites. The atmospheric transport of PFASs contributes to their deposition in remote ecosystems, while aquatic and soil contamination stems from both point and nonpoint sources. Bioaccumulation studies reveal that PFASs accumulate in organisms, leading to potential human exposure through food, water, and consumer products. This review calls for further research to address knowledge gaps in PFAS detection, behavior, and health impacts, while advocating for improved regulations to limit their release and exposure.