Exploring the environmental exposure, health consequences by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s. This in-depth review collects information on pervasive and persistent environmental pollutants (PFAS), focusing on their consequences on human health, regulatory barriers, and scientific advances. We have highlighted how PFAS are often used in consumer goods and industrial products like cookware, fabrics, and firefighting chemicals, from their original discovery in the late 1930s to the current laws and regulations. The article focuses on the legal aspects concerning PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and the actions taken by different factors such as the European Commission and the USEPA – the agency responsible for environmental protection in the United States. The challenging aspects of PFAS control, mainly their high persistence and multigenerational toxicity effects, are highlighted, as well as routes for improving risk assessment and management. In addition, the researchers concentrate on many problems around PFAS and encourage collaboration of industry, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies for addressing the problem of contamination by PFAS. We have discussed the new PFAS-related issues, researchers coming from various fields will surely be encouraged to promote national awareness of these PFAS-related research programs.