Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic non-essential transition metal that poses significant health risks to humans and animals. It is naturally present in the environment as a pollutant from agricultural and industrial sources, primarily through contaminated food, water, and inhalation. Cadmium accumulates in plants and animals with a long half-life of about 25–30 years. Exposure to Cd is linked to various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, nasopharynx, pancreas, and kidney cancers, as well as osteoporosis. The liver and kidneys are particularly sensitive to Cd's toxic effects due to their ability to synthesize metallothioneins (MTs), which protect cells by binding Cd ions. Cd-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage are key mechanisms leading to liver and kidney diseases. Recent studies have also shown that Cd induces epigenetic changes in mammalian cells, affecting gene expression and contributing to carcinogenesis. The review discusses the cellular and molecular alterations caused by Cd exposure, focusing on its effects on mitochondria and the role of MTs in Cd detoxification. Additionally, it explores the use of chelators and natural compounds to mitigate Cd toxicity and the potential of phytoremediation and microbial fermentation to remove Cd from the environment.Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic non-essential transition metal that poses significant health risks to humans and animals. It is naturally present in the environment as a pollutant from agricultural and industrial sources, primarily through contaminated food, water, and inhalation. Cadmium accumulates in plants and animals with a long half-life of about 25–30 years. Exposure to Cd is linked to various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, nasopharynx, pancreas, and kidney cancers, as well as osteoporosis. The liver and kidneys are particularly sensitive to Cd's toxic effects due to their ability to synthesize metallothioneins (MTs), which protect cells by binding Cd ions. Cd-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage are key mechanisms leading to liver and kidney diseases. Recent studies have also shown that Cd induces epigenetic changes in mammalian cells, affecting gene expression and contributing to carcinogenesis. The review discusses the cellular and molecular alterations caused by Cd exposure, focusing on its effects on mitochondria and the role of MTs in Cd detoxification. Additionally, it explores the use of chelators and natural compounds to mitigate Cd toxicity and the potential of phytoremediation and microbial fermentation to remove Cd from the environment.