Health Effects Research Articles

Quantifying the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks resulting from the inhalation of PM2.5-bound metals: A multicity analysis and implications for public health

Toxic metals in PM2.5 represent a growing public health concern because of their potential health effects. Ambient PM2.5 samples were collected from five provinces around Bangkok from December 2020 to December 2021. The concentrations of PM2.5 and metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, lead, and vanadium) were analyzed. The noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were evaluated via Monte Carlo simulations in four age groups (0 to <6, 6 to <12, 12 to <18, 18–70 years), with a dataset comprising 2282 heavy metal assays within the particulate matter. Significantly higher PM2.5 concentrations were detected in provinces with higher factory densities, as well as higher concentrations during haze periods than during non-haze periods. The HI values for all age groups and provinces were lower than 1, indicating acceptable noncarcinogenic risks. The carcinogenic risks from PM2.5-bound metals varied between 7.08×10−7 and 4.29×10−6, indicating increased cancer risks, for preschool children and adults. Cancer risk was highest in industrial areas, followed by areas with dense traffic, and lowest in agricultural areas. The results indicated that Thailand's current air quality regulations, which primarily provide only lead limits, are insufficient considering the high carcinogenic potential of other metals. The Monte Carlo simulation results confirmed that lowering Thailand’s 24-h PM2.5 standard from 37.5 to either 25 or 15 µg m−3, as specified in the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines, would decrease cancer risk by 9.63–43.18 %.

A review of environmental and health effects of synthetic cosmetics

The use of cosmetic products is expanding globally, and with it, so is the range of chemical substances employed in their production. As a result, there is also a higher risk of intoxication, allergic reactions, prolonged chemical exposure, adverse effects, and indiscriminate use. Cosmetic products can contain more than 10,000 ingredients. Most users of synthetic cosmetics are unaware of the harmful effects if they even are. However, it is linked to many diseases like cancer, congenital disabilities, reproductive impairments, developmental systems, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, old age, skin diseases and reactions, allergies, and harm to human nails. Many beauty products also create a high demand for natural oils, leading to extensive and intensive cultivation, harming natural habitats through deforestation, and contaminating soil and water through pesticides and fertilizers. The adverse effects of hazardous substances in synthetic cosmetics extend beyond human health and influence ecosystems, air quality, and oceans. Thus, this review aims to assess the environmental and health impacts of cosmetics using published scientific articles. The study used a systematic review based on Scopus, Science Direct, Web databases, Scholar Google, and PubMed. The results of this review showed that the formulation of cosmetics until the disposal of their containers could adversely affect environmental and human health.

Correlation of dietary flavonoid intake with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma in U.S. adults: A large, national, cross-sectional study.

To explore the relationship between dietary flavonoids and bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. A total of 11743 United States adults were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2007-2008, 2009-2010 and 2017-2018. Of these, 47.7% were male and 52.3% female. Dietary flavonoid intake assessed using FDNNS and 24-hour dietary recall data. Inclusion of demographics (gender, age, education, family income), behavioral factors (BMI, smoking, drinking status, diet), chronic disease information (diabetes, hypertension) as covariates to eliminate confounding. Stepwise logistic regression was used to analyze the association between total dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of chronic respiratory disease. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) was used to analyze the association between 29 dietary flavonoids and the risk of chronic respiratory disease. Restricted cubic spline was used to analyze the dose-response relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and risk of chronic respiratory disease. Stepwise logistic regression results showed that higher flavonoid intake in men was associated with a lower risk of CB and asthma (OR of CB: 0.55(0.31-0.97); OR of asthma: 0.72(0.52-0.99)), and WQS results showed a mixed health effect for total flavonoids and chronic respiratory tract in response to the 29 flavonoid fractions (OR of asthma: 0.97(0.94-0.99); OR of emphysema: 0.95(0.90-0.99)). Glycitein had the highest health contribution of 26.2% for emphysema; Eriodictyol had the highest health contribution of 32.13% for asthma, respectively. The RCS showed a dose-response relationship between flavonoids and respiratory tract health. The maximum dose for ingesting flavonoids to gain respiratory health benefits is 1500 mg/d. Higher dietary flavonoid intake was associated with lower chronic respiratory risk in adult U.S. men. Also 29 dietary flavonoid components have an overall health effect on respiratory health. Glycitein and Eriodictyol may have potential health effects on the respiratory system. 1500 mg/day may be the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of dietary flavonoids for respiratory health in U.S. adults.

Feasibility and pilot study of Indonesia’s first telehealth support program for gynecological cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy

Most Indonesian gynecological cancer survivors experience chemotherapy side effects on their physical and mental health as they face unmet needs of supportive care, which increases the likelihood of discontinuing treatment. Interventions in telehealth assist survivors in resolving these issues. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of fighting distress, self-efficacy, health effects, and sexual (FoRSHE-X) interventions and evaluate their potential impact on distress level, side effects knowledge and management, self-efficacy, and sexual quality of life. The study involved gynecological cancer survivors who underwent chemotherapy and participated in ten weeks of individual social media-based education, tele-coaching, and teleconsultations, from September 2023 to June 2024. The study feasibility and pilot outcomes were evaluated using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Of the twelve women recruited, six (50%) completed the study, filled out pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and participated in interviews. Fifty-four virtual education, coaching, and consultation sessions were performed individually. The statistical results indicated that participants were highly satisfied with the telehealth program, which significantly increased their knowledge (p=0.02), health practices (p=0.04), and self-efficacy (p=0.01). The qualitative analysis highlighted participants' and coaches' perspectives on the study’s acceptance, barriers, and recommendations. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that a definitive trial to assess the FoRSHE-X interventions is feasible, acceptable, and can be applied not only to gynecological cancer survivors but also to other types of cancer, thereby broadening the potential impact of the study.

Highly Efficient Sunlight‐Driven Photocatalytic Activity of Cu‐Doped BiOBr/g‐C3N4 Nanocomposite via Z‐Scheme Design

AbstractPharmaceutical pollutants introduce highly intricate compounds into the environment due to extensive structural and functional alterations resulting in adverse health effects on organisms. Herein, a novel nanocomposite is designed comprising Cu‐doped BiOBr nanoflakes and g‐C3N4 to form a dual absorber based on the organic‐inorganic electronic interface for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). With incorporating Cu in BiOBr and compositing with g‐C3N4, the band gap decreased from 2.74 eV to 2.36 eV for BiOBr:Cu/g‐C3N4, and also light harvesting ability increased. The investigation into the degradation rate considered factors such as pH, TC concentration, photocatalyst dosage, and irradiation time, resulting in a TC degradation efficiency of 98 % within 60 min. In the prepared nanocomposite, photo‐generated electrons of BiOBr can recombine via Cu atoms as a mediator with holes in the valence band of g‐C3N4 due to their band structure position which leads to improved electron/hole separation and enhanced photocatalytic activity. The predominant active species involved in the degradation process were found to be superoxide radicals. Additionally, the photocatalyst exhibited excellent stability, retaining 88 % of its photocatalytic activity after four cycles.

Multiphase Radical Chemical Processes Induced by Air Pollutants and the Associated Health Effects

Multiphase Radical Chemical Processes Induced by Air Pollutants and the Associated Health Effects

Correlation Between Diverse Smoking Habits and the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Analysis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent metabolic illness that arises as a result of a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. The precise mechanisms elucidating the association between smoking and the onset of DMremain incompletely understood, despite the proposal of several ideas. The objective of this study ‎was to conduct a comparative analysis of blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, insulin hormone levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ‎levels in diabetic patients who smoked and those who did not. The study included a total of 320 volunteers divided into four groups, with each group consisting of 80 volunteers. The first group served as the control group and consisted of ‎healthy individuals. The remaining three groups consisted of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, categorized based on their smoking habits. The second ‎group comprised T2DM patients who did not smoke, the third group consisted of T2‎DM patients who smoked cigarettes, and the fourth group included T2DM patients ‎who smoked e-cigarettes.‎At recruitment, data on age, fat %, waist circumference (cm), and body mass index (kg/m2) was collected. Biochemical markers measured were fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR‎ levels. The findings demonstrated a statistically significant increase (P<0.001) in the levels of each parameter, particularly among patients with T2DM who engaged in e-cigarette smoking, compared to the control group.‎ It was found that engaging in dual smoking, which involves the use of both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, was associated with a higher likelihood of elevated HbA1c levels and other negative health effects. When it comes to the management of diabetic patients, abstaining from smoking and participating in smoking cessation programs, for patients who smoke, should be the essential approaches. It was found that dual smokingled to a higher likelihood of elevated HbA1c levels and this association was most pronounced among male individuals, those who were physically inactive, and thoseclassified as obese. Further studies should be conducted on the detrimental health consequences associated with e-cigarettes, with a particular focus on enhancing the awareness of healthcare professionals and their patients of the potential risks. This is particularly significant due to the prevailing perceptionthat e-cigarettes are inherently "safe".

Occupational health risk assessment of exposure to major hazardous chemicals in copper and nickel smelting enterprises

Objective: To evaluate the risk of major chemical exposure positions in copper and nickel smelting enterprises, and provide a basis for risk assessment and prevention control measures. Methods: From September to October 2023, two copper nickel ore smelting enterprises in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected as the research objects. Relevant information on chemicals was collected through occupational hazard field investigations. Qualitative analysis and exposure index methods were used in GBZ/T 298-2017 "Technical Guidelines for Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Hazardous Factors in the Workplace" to conduct risk assessments on the main chemical exposure positions. The qualitative risk assessment results were checked for consistency using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. Results: The positions with high risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals in copper nickel smelting enterprises are saponification positions exposed to hydrochloric acid in refining processes, black nickel positions exposed to sodium hydroxide, and tail suction positions. The consistency between the two occupational health risk assessment results is poor (Kappa=0.14) . Conclusion: The amount of major hazardous chemicals in copper-nickel smelting enterprises is large, and the occupational health risks caused by exposure are complex and diverse, so the effects of chronic occupational health should be strengthened.

Bleaching Agents: A Review of Their Utilization and Management

Exposure to disinfectants, cleansers, and bleaching chemicals irritates the eyes, respiratory systems, and skin, triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Bleach, as the major constituent of cleansers, when used improperly or mixed with other indoor cleaning agents, produces harmful halogenated volatile organic compounds. This manuscript assesses the influence of excessive exposure to disinfectants, including bleaching agents, when used against infectious conditions related to SARS-COVID-19 and its management. The use and impact of different bleaching agents in cleansing and their associated problems have been analyzed and presented in this review. This analysis focuses on the conventional and post-pandemic approach towards bleaches. Usage of bleaching agents increased by a staggering 20.4% and 16.4% from January to March 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mounting use of bleaching agents during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative health effects like asthma, eye irritation, and skin allergies. An approximately 42% rise in poisoning cases, including a few deaths, has been associated with exposure to harmful chemicals involving bleaches during the recent pandemic. Bleaching agents are the primary sources of hazardous indoor pollutants; therefore, despite their importance in disinfection, their utility must be substantiated based on legal guidelines, disposal, and remedial measures. Thus, conducting future occupational exposure assessment studies for bleach hazard management is crucial.

Impact of PM2.5 filter extraction solvent on oxidative potential and chemical analysis

ABSTRACT Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is hypothesized to induce oxidative stress, and has been linked to acute and chronic adverse health effects. To better understand the risks and underlying mechanisms following exposure, PM2.5 is collected onto filters but prior to toxicological analysis, particles must be removed from filters. There is no standard method for filter extraction, which creates the possibility that the methods of extraction selected can alter the chemical composition and ultimately the biological implications. In this study, comparisons were made between extraction solvents (methanol (MeOH), dichloromethane (DCM), 0.9% saline, and Milli-Q water) and the results of oxidative potential and elemental concentration analysis of PM2.5 collected across sites in Arkansas, USA. Significant differences were observed between solvents, with DCM having significantly different results compared to all other extraction solvents (p ≤ 0.001). Significant correlations between element, black carbon, and PM2.5 concentrations and oxidative potential were observed. The observed correlations were extraction solvent dependent. For example, in saline extracted samples, oxidative potential had significant negative correlations with: Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Ga, Mn and significant positive correlations with: Cr, Ni, Th, U. While in MeOH extracted samples, significant positive correlations were only between oxidative potential and Ga, U and significant negative correlations with V. This indicates that PM2.5 samples extracted with different solvents will yield different conclusions about the causal components. This study highlights the importance of filter extraction methods in interpretation of oxidative potential results and comparisons between studies. Implications While there is no standard method for PM2.5 filter extraction, variation of extraction methods impact analytical results. This project identifies that extraction method variation, particularly extraction solvent selection, leads to discrepancies in chemical and toxicological analysis for PM2.5 collected on the same filter. This work highlights the need for methods standardization to support accurate comparisons between PM2.5 research studies, thus providing better understanding of PM2.5 across the globe.

"It Isn't What I Had to Do, It's What I Get to Do": The Experiences of Black Family Caregivers Managing Dementia.

Black family caregivers of persons with dementia experience high levels of stress that can negatively affect caregiver health outcomes and reduce caregiving capacity. However, Black caregivers tend to report low levels depressive symptoms or other negative health effects. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to identify factors that contribute to resilience among Black family caregivers. Using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique to complete thematic analysis, a team of five coders examined transcript data from three focus groups of Black current and former family caregivers (n = 17) of persons with dementia. We identified three primary factors that contributed to caregiver resilience including access to supportive environments, adaptability, and planning skills. Caregiver resistance to reporting depressive symptoms may be attributed to the strong Black woman schema. Findings from this study may be used to develop future culturally responsive interventions that support caregivers and promote family health.

Genetic variation in bovine milk proteins: Implications for functional and nutritional properties

The six major bovine milk proteins are encoded by highly polymorphic chromosomes. Genetic variation has become a topic of interest and controversy in recent years due to supposed adverse health effects, beginning with the A2 variant of β‐casein. The functional implications of genetic variants have been well characterised, specifically heat stability and coagulation (i.e. rennet and acid) properties of milk, which have found that the B variant of β‐casein, κ‐casein and β‐lactoglobulin are the most beneficial. Genetic variants of milk proteins provide considerable potential to create new dairy products to add value to milk.

A scoping review to determine if adverse human health effects are associated with use of organophosphates for mosquito control.

Organophosphate insecticides are widely used for adult mosquito control. Although proven effective in reducing mosquito populations and limiting arbovirus transmission, public concern exists regarding potential human health effects associated with organophosphate exposure. The aim of this scoping review was to describe any reported human health conditions associated with organophosphates during their use for adult mosquito control in the United States and Canada. Original peer-reviewed articles published in English language journals from 1 January 2000 to 22 May 2024, were obtained by searching from the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Agricultural & Environmental Science Collection, CAB Abstracts, and Scopus. The search identified 6,154 screened articles. Following an independent review, 10 studies were identified that described human health conditions associated with organophosphate exposure during adult mosquito control applications. Of the 10 included studies, only two articles were published within the last 11 years (2013 to 22 May 2024). Three types of study design were represented in the included studies: cohort (n = 5), case study (n = 1), and risk assessment (n = 4). The included studies could not determine causality between exposure to adulticides and development of illness or adverse impacts. Exposure to organophosphates did not contribute to an observed increase in metabolic toxicity, hospitalization rates, or self-reported symptoms and exposure. The available and limited evidence indicates that organophosphates can be used safely to control nuisance mosquitoes or mosquitoes that transmit arboviruses. Continued research regarding the human health effects associated with organophosphate applications for adult mosquito control could help evaluate the basis of the public's concerns and inform public health decision-making.

Reliability of Parental Recall of Birth Weight, Birth Length and Gestational Age in the Multicenter Cohort Study IDEFICS.

To investigate the reliability of parental recall of birth weight, birth length and gestational age several years after birth. Parentally recalled birth parameters were obtained from the European multicentric cohort study IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants) and compared to the corresponding data externally recorded in the child's medical check-up booklet. The agreement between the two sources was examined using Bland-Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficients and Cohen's kappa for clinically relevant categories. Additionally, logistic regression models were used to identify factors related to parental recall accuracy. A total of 4930 children aged 2 to 11years were included. Accuracy of birth weight within 100g was 88%, 94% of the recalled birth length was within 2cm, and 99% of the parents could recall with 2weeks accuracy how many weeks their child was delivered preterm. Discrepancies of more than two weeks or more than 100g were more likely in parents of low or medium socioeconomic status. Non-biological parents were 3.4 times more likely to have a discrepancy of more than 100g compared to biological mothers (95% CI 1.7-6.7). Moreover, parents were less likely to accurately recall their child's birth parameters with increasing number of children within a family. In general, parents' information matched well with the medical check-up booklet. However, accuracy varied among different groups which should be taken into consideration when using birth data recalled by parents in studies of child health.

Tranexamic Acid for reduction of intra- and postoperative TRansfusion requirements in elective Abdominal surgery (TATRA): study protocol for an investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized superiority trial with two parallel groups

BackgroundIntra- and postoperative hemorrhage is a relevant problem in major abdominal surgery, leading to acute anemia and necessitating transfusion of packed red blood cells. It is estimated that in 30% of abdominal surgeries, intra- or postoperative transfusion is required. Transfusion potentially has detrimental health effects and poses a considerable socioeconomic burden. Tranexamic acid, a lysine analog inhibiting plasminogen activation and providing clot stability, has been used to reduce hemorrhage. While there is ample evidence in other surgical disciplines, it is almost completely lacking in abdominal surgery.MethodsThis multicenter double-blind parallel group randomized superiority trial will compare tranexamic acid (loading dose 1000 mg over 10 min prior to skin incision, maintenance dose 125 mg/h continuously until skin closure or until 1000 mg have been administered) to placebo in patients ≥ 18 years undergoing elective esophagectomy, gastrectomy, colectomy, rectal resection, pancreatic resection, or hepatectomy. The primary efficacy endpoint is the intra- or postoperative transfusion of at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Key secondary endpoints are the number of transfused units per patient, estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications/mortality, length of hospital stay, operation/anesthesia time, D-dimer levels, and quality of life. Sample size calculation is based on the assumption that in the control group, 30% of patients require transfusion while the intervention achieves a risk reduction of 33%, reducing the probability to 20%. With a type one error of 5% and a power of 90%, using a two-sided χ2 test, this results in 412 patients per group. Accounting for non-compliance, 425 patients are to be randomized per group. The total trial duration will be 30 months with a recruitment period of 18 months.DiscussionIf the proposed trial yielded positive results, the routine use of tranexamic acid in major abdominal surgery would be supported. This would avoid acute anemia with detrimental effects such as tissue hypoxia and organ injury, as well as the negative immediate and delayed effects of transfusions.Trial registrationEU CT Nr: 2023–509970-43–01, NCT06414031. Registered on 10 May 2024.

Ten Years of Bipolar Telehealth: Program Evaluation of a Team-Based Telemental Health Clinic.

Objectives: Telemental health via videoconferencing (TMH-V) can overcome many of the barriers to accessing quality mental health care. Toward this end, in 2011, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the National Bipolar Disorders TeleHealth (BDTH) Program to provide expert mental health consultation and treatment to Veterans with bipolar spectrum disorders. Methods: Initial analyses of BDTH services suggested that participants had positive changes in quality-of-care indices and clinical outcomes; however, that evaluation was based on a limited sample of both participants and VA medical centers. We were able to confirm and expand upon those early results by using nearly eight times the number of participants and more than twice as many medical centers. Results: For the 2,456 Veterans who completed the intake to our program, there were significant improvements in some of the quality metrics (e.g., lithium use) and a 54% reduction in positive suicide screens (p < 0.05). The Veterans who completed the initial and postprogram assessments (n = 815) reported a 16.6% reduction in manic symptoms (p < 0.001), a 29.3% reduction in depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), and a 21.2% reduction in mood episodes (p < 0.001). Additionally, these Veterans demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.001) in mental health-related quality of life between the two assessments. Conclusions: These analyses provide further support for the general effectiveness and safety of telemental health via videoconferencing. Future research should examine the generalizability of these findings across various subgroups (e.g., minority patients, patients in rural areas), populations, and health care systems.

A comprehensive Review into Emission Sources, Formation Mechanisms, Ecological Effects, and Biotransformation Routes of Halogenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (HPAHs)

Halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs, H = F, Cl, Br) are a new class of PAHs derivatives that mainly originate from the incomplete combustion of halogen-laden materials and via metallurgical operations. These compounds circulate extensively in various environmental matrices. This survey provides a comprehensive review on governing synthesis routes of HPAHs, their environmental occurrence, and their health and ecological effects. The review comprehensively enlists and presents emission sources of these emerging organic pollutants into the air that serves as their main reservoir. The formation of HPAHs ensues through successive addition reactions of related precursors accompanied by ring cyclization steps; in addition to direct unimolecular fragmentation of parents halogenated. Halogenation of parent PAHs rapidly occurs in saline ecosystems, thus multiplying the availability of these notorious compounds in the environment. Certain HPAHs appear to be more carcinogenic than dioxins. Transmission routes of HPAHs from their emission sources to water bodies, soil, aquatic life, plants, terrestrial animals, and humans are well-documented. Later, the direct and indirect diffusion of HPAHs from air to the biotic (plants, animals, humans) and abiotic components (soil, water, sediments) are described in detail. The study concludes that HPAHs are permeable to the carbon matrices resulting in the alleviation of the source-to-sink interface. As a potential future perspective, understanding the transmission interfaces lays a foundation to intervene in the introduction of these toxicants into the food chain.

Pathogen Contamination of Groundwater Affecting Drinking Water Quality with Potential Health Effects in Pavlodar Region, Kazakhstan

Groundwater is becoming increasingly important as surface water is decreasing and becoming more and more polluted. In particular, rural areas in the arid region of Central Asia face problems with both water quantity and quality. In view of this, we investigated the drinking water quality in the Maysky district in the Pavlodar region, Kazakhstan. The organoleptic properties, together with microbiological indicators, as well as organic and inorganic substances of drinking water before and after treatment, and tap water were studied and compared to recommended levels. The bacteriological indicators of the drinking water, especially, showed that the water represents health risks since the presence of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa was confirmed. Water treatment reduced the total microbial count (TMC) indicator by 3.6 times. However, TMC still exceeded permissible levels in the tap water, indicating that the drinking water is sanitary and epidemiologically not acceptable. Pathogenic contamination of drinking water can severely affect weaker individuals and children. It has been estimated that the infant mortality rate in Kazakhstan is six times higher as compared to the EU and less than 30% of Kazakhstan’s population have access to safe water. Also, 50% of the population drink water that does not comply with the international standards, e.g., bacteriological levels. Thus, it is important to continuously monitor the groundwater quality to minimize health risks and work towards access to safe drinking water, in line with the UN SDGs.

The mental health effects of the tenure track system in China.

The mental health effects of the tenure track system in China.

Early Maternal Prenatal Cannabis Use and Child Developmental Delays

Maternal prenatal cannabis use is associated with adverse neonatal health effects, yet little is known about its association with child developmental outcomes. To evaluate associations between maternal prenatal cannabis use in early pregnancy and child early developmental delays. This cohort study included 119 976 children born to 106 240 unique individuals between January 2015 and December 2019 and followed up to aged 5.5 years or younger (through December 31, 2021) at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Individuals were screened for prenatal cannabis use via self-report and urine toxicology at entrance into prenatal care (approximately 8- to 10-weeks' gestation). Data were analyzed from February 2023 to March 2024. Maternal prenatal cannabis use defined as any use (self-reported or by urine toxicology testing) and use frequency. Early developmental delays (speech and language disorders, motor delays, global delays) in children up to age 5.5 years defined by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision diagnoses codes ascertained from electronic health records. In this cohort of 119 976 pregnancies among 106 240 unique pregnant individuals, there were 29 543 Hispanic pregnancies (24.6%), 6567 non-Hispanic Black pregnancies (5.5%), 46 823 non-Hispanic White pregnancies (39.0%), 12 837 pregnancies (10.7%) to individuals aged 24 years or younger, and 10 365 pregnancies (8.6%) to individuals insured by Medicaid. Maternal prenatal cannabis use was documented for 6778 pregnancies (5.6%). Daily maternal prenatal cannabis use was reported for 618 pregnancies (0.5%), weekly for 722 pregnancies (0.6%), and monthly or less for 1617 pregnancies (1.3%). No association was observed between maternal prenatal cannabis use and child speech and language disorders (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84-1.03), global developmental delays (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.68-1.59), or motor delays (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.69-1.06). No association was detected between the frequency of maternal prenatal cannabis use and child early developmental delays. In this cohort study, maternal prenatal cannabis use was not associated with an increased risk of child early developmental delays. Future research is needed to assess different patterns of cannabis use throughout pregnancy. Given the association between maternal prenatal cannabis use and other adverse outcomes, pregnant individuals should be educated on those risks.