Patna: A new scientific study has raised concern after detecting uranium (U-238) in the breastmilk of lactating mothers across several districts in Bihar, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic health risks for infants exposed during early development.
Researchers examined samples from 40 randomly selected mothers and detected uranium in every single sample tested. According to the study, the highest average contamination was found in Khagaria district, while the highest individual reading came from Katihar.
Dr. Ashok Sharma of AIIMS Delhi, a co-author of the study, said that although the presence of uranium is evident, the overall levels were still below the permissible limits. He added that despite 70 per cent of infants showing a potential non-carcinogenic risk, the actual expected health impact remains low.
“Uranium levels recorded in breastmilk ranged from 0 to 5.25 micrograms per litre. While long-term exposure may affect neurological development, kidney function and cognitive outcomes, most uranium absorbed by mothers is excreted through urine rather than concentrated in breastmilk,” he said, adding that breastfeeding should continue unless clinicians advise otherwise.
The study’s health assessment found that 70 per cent of infants recorded a Hazard Quotient (HQ) above 1, indicating possible non-carcinogenic effects. Infants are more vulnerable because their bodies are less capable of eliminating toxic metals.
Uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, enters groundwater through natural geological processes and human activities such as mining, coal burning, emissions from nuclear industries and phosphate-based fertilisers. India has reported uranium contamination in at least 151 districts across 18 states, including several pockets in Bihar.
Dr. Sharma also confirmed that further investigations are being planned in other states to evaluate the presence of heavy metals and environmental pollutants in breastmilk. He noted that previous studies had already identified contaminants like arsenic, lead and mercury in Indian breastmilk samples.
The World Health Organization puts the provisional limit for uranium in drinking water at 30 micrograms per litre, whereas some countries, such as Germany, follow stricter norms.
Globally, elevated uranium levels have been found in Canada, the US, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, Bangladesh, China, Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan and regions around the Mekong Delta. While studies worldwide have noted high groundwater contamination, clear clinical symptoms among exposed populations have not always been consistent.
The latest findings reinforce the need for regular monitoring of uranium levels in Bihar’s groundwater and breastmilk to safeguard maternal and infant health.
