Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Breastmilk In Parts Of Bihar Found Contaminated With Uranium – How It Could Affect Newborns?

breastmilk uranium bihar

A new scientific investigation has drawn attention to alarming levels of uranium in the breastmilk of nursing mothers across six districts in <span>Bihar</span>. The findings suggest possible health risks for infants who depend entirely on breastmilk in their first months. 

Published in Scientific Reports, the study is the first to examine uranium contamination in breastmilk from the Gangetic belt of Bihar, a region already known for widespread exposure to arsenic, lead, mercury and other heavy metals.

Researchers collected breastmilk samples from 40 mothers aged 17 to 35 from Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda. Each participant gave informed consent, and the team documented breastfeeding habits, child health, and residential history. The work was carried out by scientists from Mahavir Cancer Sansthan &amp; Research Centre (Patna), Lovely Professional University, NIPER-Hajipur and other collaborating institutions.

<h2>Breastfeeding Samples Show Uranium In Bihar</h2>

The most concerning outcome was that every single sample contained detectable uranium. As per NTDV, the authors noted that “100% of lactating mothers had their breastmilk highly contaminated with uranium.” The concentrations varied, reaching as high as 5.25 μg/L in some cases. Although there is no globally accepted safety limit for <span>uranium in breastmilk</span>, the presence of any radioactive heavy metal in an infant’s only food source raises immediate health worries.

Uranium concentrations were not uniform across districts. The data showed the highest average burden in Khagaria, followed by Samastipur, Begusarai, Katihar, Bhojpur and Nalanda. Katihar had the single highest recorded value at 5.25 μg/L, while Khagaria had the highest mean value of 4.035 μg/L. Nalanda showed the lowest average level at 2.354 μg/L. Spatial mapping in the study also indicated a distinct distribution pattern, suggesting local environmental and geological influences.

<h2>Can <span rel="noindex">Breastmilk Contaminated with Uranium</span> Affect Newborns?</h2>

To assess potential harm, the team estimated uranium intake by infants using Monte Carlo modelling with 10,000 simulations. The analysis suggested that about 70 percent of infants could face non-cancer health effects if exposure continues. 

The study stressed that babies are far more vulnerable than adults because their organs are still developing, their body weight is low, and they eliminate toxins less efficiently. While the analysis did not show a cancer risk from the detected levels, the exposure was high enough for researchers to warn about possible kidney damage and other non-carcinogenic effects in infants.

Interestingly, as per NDTV, a senior scientist with the National Disaster Management Authority said the study does not signal a public health threat. According to him, the uranium levels detected in the Bihar samples fall well below the limit set by the World Health Organization.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Is Uranium In Breastmilk Worrisome</span>?</h2>

Though uranium is known for its radioactive properties, its chemical toxicity poses a more immediate threat. Since infants absorb heavy metals more easily, uranium exposure in early life may cause long-term issues, including:

• Kidney damage and impaired kidney function

• Problems in neurological development, affecting behaviour and cognition

• Possible increased cancer risk later in life

• Interference with bone, immune and motor development

• The ability to cross the placental and blood-brain barriers, potentially harming brain growth

The study did not test water or food consumed by the participating mothers, but the authors referred to previous research that documented high uranium levels in 273 groundwater samples from Bihar. 

Districts such as Supaul, Nalanda and Vaishali recorded extremely elevated levels, far above the WHO guideline of 30 μg/L for drinking water. Since groundwater is widely used for drinking and farming in Bihar, the contamination likely stems from natural geological deposits, excessive groundwater extraction, phosphate fertilisers, industrial waste and inadequately treated sewage. Earlier surveys show that uranium contamination is widespread, with at least 11 districts reporting unsafe concentrations in drinking water,

<h2>Should Mothers Stop Breastfeeding Their Newborns?</h2>

The researchers make it clear that mothers should not stop breastfeeding because of these findings. They emphasise that breastfeeding remains the healthiest and most beneficial source of nutrition for infants, and should only be discontinued if a doctor advises it. While the uranium levels observed are a cause for concern, the study notes that they are not a reason to halt breastfeeding on their own.

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A new scientific investigation has drawn attention to alarming levels of uranium in the breastmilk of nursing mothers across six districts in Bihar. The findings suggest possible health risks for infants who depend entirely on breastmilk in their first months. Published in Scientific Reports, the study is the first to examine uranium contamination in breastmilk from the Gangetic belt of Bihar, a region already known for widespread exposure to arsenic, lead, mercury and other heavy metals.Researchers collected breastmilk samples from 40 mothers aged 17 to 35 from Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda. Each participant gave informed consent, and the team documented breastfeeding habits, child health, and residential history. The work was carried out by scientists from Mahavir Cancer Sansthan & Research Centre (Patna), Lovely Professional University, NIPER-Hajipur and other collaborating institutions.Breastfeeding Samples Show Uranium In BiharThe most concerning outcome was that every single sample contained detectable uranium. As per NTDV, the authors noted that “100% of lactating mothers had their breastmilk highly contaminated with uranium.” The concentrations varied, reaching as high as 5.25 μg/L in some cases. Although there is no globally accepted safety limit for uranium in breastmilk, the presence of any radioactive heavy metal in an infant’s only food source raises immediate health worries.District Wise ReadingsUranium concentrations were not uniform across districts. The data showed the highest average burden in Khagaria, followed by Samastipur, Begusarai, Katihar, Bhojpur and Nalanda. Katihar had the single highest recorded value at 5.25 μg/L, while Khagaria had the highest mean value of 4.035 μg/L. Nalanda showed the lowest average level at 2.354 μg/L. Spatial mapping in the study also indicated a distinct distribution pattern, suggesting local environmental and geological influences.Can Breastmilk Contaminated with Uranium Affect Newborns?To assess potential harm, the team estimated uranium intake by infants using Monte Carlo modelling with 10,000 simulations. The analysis suggested that about 70 percent of infants could face non-cancer health effects if exposure continues. The study stressed that babies are far more vulnerable than adults because their organs are still developing, their body weight is low, and they eliminate toxins less efficiently. While the analysis did not show a cancer risk from the detected levels, the exposure was high enough for researchers to warn about possible kidney damage and other non-carcinogenic effects in infants.Interestingly, as per NDTV, a senior scientist with the National Disaster Management Authority said the study does not signal a public health threat. According to him, the uranium levels detected in the Bihar samples fall well below the limit set by the World Health Organization.Is Uranium In Breastmilk Worrisome?Though uranium is known for its radioactive properties, its chemical toxicity poses a more immediate threat. Since infants absorb heavy metals more easily, uranium exposure in early life may cause long-term issues, including:• Kidney damage and impaired kidney function• Problems in neurological development, affecting behaviour and cognition• Possible increased cancer risk later in life• Interference with bone, immune and motor development• The ability to cross the placental and blood-brain barriers, potentially harming brain growthThe study did not test water or food consumed by the participating mothers, but the authors referred to previous research that documented high uranium levels in 273 groundwater samples from Bihar. Districts such as Supaul, Nalanda and Vaishali recorded extremely elevated levels, far above the WHO guideline of 30 μg/L for drinking water. Since groundwater is widely used for drinking and farming in Bihar, the contamination likely stems from natural geological deposits, excessive groundwater extraction, phosphate fertilisers, industrial waste and inadequately treated sewage. Earlier surveys show that uranium contamination is widespread, with at least 11 districts reporting unsafe concentrations in drinking water,Should Mothers Stop Breastfeeding Their Newborns?The researchers make it clear that mothers should not stop breastfeeding because of these findings. They emphasise that breastfeeding remains the healthiest and most beneficial source of nutrition for infants, and should only be discontinued if a doctor advises it. While the uranium levels observed are a cause for concern, the study notes that they are not a reason to halt breastfeeding on their own.