Cadmium is a naturally occurring inorganic compound that has become a significant environmental pollutant due to human activities. It is found in the atmosphere, soil, and water, with its presence increasing through industrial processes such as metal refining, battery production, and the use of phosphate-based fertilizers in agriculture. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies cadmium as a certain carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to cadmium can lead to serious health issues, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, immune system, and more recently, effects on the heart. Amphibians are especially vulnerable to cadmium pollution because of their unique biology. Their permeable skin allows for easy absorption of toxins, and their life cycle involves both aquatic and land environments. Reproduction often takes place in water, making them more susceptible to contaminants in their surroundings. Globally, amphibian populations are declining rapidly, with 41% of species currently classified as threatened with extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In France, all amphibian species are legally protected due to their ecological importance and vulnerability. Scientists have used Xenopus, a type of African clawed frog, as a model organism to study the effects of cadmium on living systems. Xenopus is widely used in research on cell biology, development, and environmental toxicity. In experiments, Xenopus embryos are exposed to different concentrations of cadmium to observe how it affects their growth and development. Researchers have found that high levels of cadmium reduce the fertilization rate and lower the survival of embryos. Tadpoles exposed to cadmium also show behavioral changes, such as reduced movement in response to light changes or vibrations that mimic the presence of predators. Studies have also identified physical abnormalities in cadmium-exposed Xenopus tadpoles, including swelling (edema), twisted tails, and improperly formed intestines. These tadpoles are also smaller and less proportionally developed compared to those not exposed to cadmium. Cardiovascular research has revealed that exposure to cadmium leads to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) and structural changes in the heart, such as muscle thinning and altered heart tissue structure. These changes affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. While similar heart conditions have been observed in human patients, this is the first time such anomalies have been directly linked to cadmium exposure. Researchers are now looking for specific protein markers that indicate cadmium exposure and may explain the observed heart damage. Future studies aim to determine whether these markers are unique to cadmium or if they are also present after exposure to other environmental contaminants. Identifying these biomarkers could help scientists better understand the mechanisms of cadmium toxicity and develop more effective methods for detecting and measuring exposure to this harmful substance.