The application of stem cell toxicology in the health risk assessments of atmospheric pollution

In recent years, atmospheric pollution has become very common in China. Epidemiological studies have pointed out that air pollution could have significant adverse health effects, especially to children. Stem cell toxicology models are very good systems to estimate the toxicity of atmospheric pollutants, particularly during the development of early stage embryos, and the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as compared to cancer cells-based models. This review summarizes the advantages of using stem cells in the evaluation of atmospheric pollutants effects on human health, especially during development. In the near future, stem cell toxicology model should be further developed in more comprehensive evaluation systems, to in depth explain the adverse effects of air pollution on the development and function of many organs.