Recent studies have shown that there is an increase in the concentrations of secondary pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are man-made or naturally occurring toxic chemicals that can readily evaporate at temperatures ranging from 10°C to 260°C which when exposed can result in adverse health issues in humans. In an urban environment, fuel stations are one of the major sources of VOC emissions. Due to increase in vehicular population, the fuel consumption is also increasing day by day (220.43 Million Metric Tons in 2017-18). The literatures on characteristics and sources of VOCs are sparse when compared with primary pollutants and the characterisation of VOCs with the source apportionment was the primary focus of these studies. Most of the studies have revealed that the concentrations of VOCs reported exceed the standard. Hence the study on characterisation and development of control technologies for VOCs is necessary to tackle the effects that can occur due to these emerging pollutants. Thus, an attempt has been made to carry out a detailed review that has been presented below by compiling the worldwide studies on VOC emissions, major source contributors, environmental and health impact, sampling techniques and control technologies available.