Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): A Comprehensive Review of Environmental Distribution, Health Impacts, and Regulatory Landscape
Elżbieta Dobrzyńska, Paweł Wasilewski, Małgorzata Pośniak
Abstract
The widespread production and application of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have created a global environmental and public health crisis. This review aimed to consolidate the foundational knowledge on PFASs by synthesizing research on their environmental fate, human health impact, analytical methods, and regulatory status and by highlighting their critical challenges. A comprehensive literature search focusing on publications from the last five years (2020–2025) was conducted using global scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science) and regulatory reports (e.g., EPA, ECHA). The persistent and pervasive nature of PFASs stems from the highly stable carbon–fluorine (C-F) bond, leading to their widespread release from diverse industrial and consumer products into water, soil, and air. Key outcomes reveal significant analytical challenges in their detection, including sample matrix complexity, widespread laboratory contamination, and a lack of standards for the vast number of specific compounds. Critical research gaps were identified, particularly the limited data on PFAS concentrations in air and dust, the need for standardized analytical methods and reporting units, and the urgent necessity for developing scalable, sustainable remediation strategies. The ongoing environmental contamination and associated health risks necessitate continued, focused interdisciplinary research to improve detection, risk assessment, and the effective management of this complex class of pollutants.