Since its invention more than three decades ago, passive sampling technology has been widely used for environmental monitoring throughout the world. In many cases, it is the only practical means of determining pollution levels caused by numerous anthropogenic chemicals. Passive sampling technology today is used in various areas ranging from workplace exposure monitoring to global issues of climate change arising due to the presence of various chemicals in the atmosphere. In this review, the present status of the technology and its applications will be discussed along with aspects related to its regulatory acceptance and recent trends.