There is growing worry about the enduring and potential health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic compounds that have contaminated the environment extensively. PFAS are a type of organofluorine compounds that are frequently used in many commercial products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging and fire-fighting foam. Exposure of humans to PFAS in the workplace and community has been linked to several health issues, such as hepatotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, immunological toxicity and carcinogenicity. Although there is data indicating that PFAS are not directly mutagenic, numerous different routes of carcinogenicity have been suggested. This review presents a comprehensive overview of these compounds, including their chemical structure and the many toxicological and pathological effects seen in a rat model following chronic exposure, as rats are frequently employed as animal models to investigate these impacts because to their physiological resemblances to humans. This study aims to enhance comprehension of the health hazards linked to prolonged exposure to PFAS. The results could have consequences for environmental regulations, assessments of human health risks, and the formulation of strategies to reduce PFAS exposure and its related health impacts.