Abstract: Flame retardants are widely used as industrial additives in electronic products, construction materials, and textiles, with their global consumption increasing rapidly. However, their widespread use has resulted in significant environmental pollution and health risks. This paper provides an overview of the types of flame retardants, the current state of environmental contamination, and their potential ecological hazards. It particularly focuses on the environmental behaviors and ecotoxicological effects of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). These chemicals enter the environment through various pathways, including volatilization from indoor air, electronic waste disposal, and industrial emissions, contaminating air, water, and soil. They accumulate in organisms through the food chain, leading to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, immune suppression, and other health concerns. Prolonged exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer, neurodevelopmental damage, and chronic diseases, posing serious threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop greener, environmentally friendly flame retardant alternatives and more effective pollution control technologies. Future research should focus on the migration, transformation, ecotoxicity, and bioaccumulation of these substances, as well as exploring novel technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing environmental monitoring to mitigate their harmful on both the environment and human health.