Uranium found in breastmilk samples in several Bihar districts, 70% infants at risk
PTC News Desk: A new scientific study has raised serious concern after finding uranium in the breastmilk of mothers from six districts in Bihar. This means infants who depend only on breastmilk could be at risk. The study, published in Scientific Reports, is the first to check for uranium in breastmilk in Bihar’s Gangetic region — an area already known for contamination from heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Researchers tested breastmilk samples from 40 mothers aged 17 to 35 from Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, and Nalanda. All mothers gave their consent, and the team collected information about their breastfeeding habits, their children’s growth, and where they had lived. The study was carried out by scientists from Mahavir Cancer Sansthan & Research Centre (Patna), Lovely Professional University, NIPER-Hajipur, and other institutions.
The most alarming finding in the report is that every single mother had high levels of uranium in her breastmilk.
Although the exact amount differed from sample to sample, all samples showed detectable levels of uranium (U-238), with some as high as 5.25 g/L. There is no global standard for how much uranium is allowed in breastmilk, but any amount of a radioactive heavy metal in a baby’s food is considered dangerous.
The study points out that uranium’s chemical toxicity is more harmful in the short term than its radioactivity. Infants are especially vulnerable because their bodies are small and their organs are still developing, making it easy for heavy metals to enter their system. The study warns of several health risks for infants:
The researchers also mention earlier studies showing that uranium exposure can interfere with bone growth, weaken the immune system, and affect motor skills in young children.
- With inputs from agencies
