 Heme is an essential molecule found throughout the body. It is a part of many proteins and is involved in important biological processes like cellular physiology and metabolism. When released from cells, heme can cause oxidative damage and inflammation, leading to a variety of diseases. Plasma scavenger proteins such as heme pexin and albumen help reduce this damage by transporting heme to intracellular compartments where it is broken down by heme oxygenase enzymes. However, when the serum capacity to scavenge heme reaches a certain level, it can lead to tissue damage. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind heme-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation and their effects on different tissues and diseases. This article was authored by Fabiano Ferreira Dutra and Marcelo Torres Baza.