Purpose: This narrative review aims to synthesize global evidence on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), evaluating their sources, distribution, and health impacts across urban, industrial, landfill, and indoor settings to inform mitigation strategies and public health policies. Research design, data and methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies (2010-2025), using keywords like "VOCs," "SVOCs," "health impacts," and "air pollution." From 1,800 articles, 120 were screened, and 35 were analyzed based on methodological quality. Data on emission sources, concentrations, exposure pathways, and health effects were extracted, categorized by setting and compound type, and synthesized narratively with tabular summaries. Results: VOCs (e.g., benzene, toluene) and SVOCs (e.g., phthalates, PAHs) from landfills, vehicles, industries, and household products pose significant carcinogenic (e.g., leukemia, cancer risks up to 1.67 × 10-3) and non-carcinogenic risks (e.g., asthma, neurological disorders). Landfill emissions (18.1-806.3 mg/m3) and indoor concentrations (2-5 times higher than outdoors) disproportionately affect vulnerable populations like children and landfill workers. Conclusions: VOCs and SVOCs are critical global pollutants requiring urgent mitigation through biochar, ventilation, and regulatory reforms. Comprehensive monitoring and AI-based modeling are essential to protect public health.