From Dawn to Now: The Evolution of PFAS Research Trends

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic chemicals known for their exceptional stability, strong surface activity, and ability to repel both water and oil. Due to these characteristics, PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s across multiple industries. However, over the decades, these substances have emerged as persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants. While it is evident that PFAS pose adverse effects on both ecosystems and human well-being, the mechanisms underlying their toxicities are yet to be fully understood. To better examine the thematic evolution of PFAS research, this review divides the literature into four distinct eras: before 2000s, from 2000 to 2010, from 2010 to 2020, and from 2020 onwards. Since the latter half of the 20th century, the rapid development and mass production of PFAS resulted in the manufacture of thousands of industrial and household products. After decades of concerns regarding their toxic impacts, major phase-outs in the early 2000s shifted attention towards environmental studies and biomonitoring. Throughout the 2010s, extensive studies were conducted to assess the PFAS toxicities, especially perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the two widely detected compounds on human populations. Since 2020, research efforts have increasingly progressed toward molecular-level studies, advancements in analytical detection methods, and remediation technologies. Additionally, this review examines regulatory changes, highlights current knowledge gaps, and outlines directions for future research.