A groundbreaking study has uncovered alarming levels of uranium contamination in breast milk across several districts in Bihar, raising serious concerns about infant health and environmental pollution. The research reveals that nearly 70% of infants are facing exposure levels associated with potential non-carcinogenic health risks.
Comprehensive Study Reveals Widespread Contamination
The extensive research was conducted by Mahavir Cancer Sansthan in Patna under the leadership of Dr Arun Kumar and Prof Ashok Ghosh, in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi led by Dr Ashok Sharma from the department of biochemistry. The study spanned from October 2021 to July 2024, analyzing breast milk samples from 40 mothers aged 17-35 across six Bihar districts: Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda.
Uranium (U238) was detected in every single sample analyzed, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 5.25 micro gram/litre. Currently, there is no established permissible limit for uranium in breast milk, making these findings particularly concerning for public health officials.
District-Wide Variations and Health Implications
The contamination levels varied significantly across districts. Khagaria recorded the highest average contamination, while Nalanda showed the lowest levels. However, Katihar demonstrated the single-highest reading among all samples collected.
Dr Ashok Sharma from AIIMS expressed deep concern about the findings. "We do not yet know the source of the uranium; the Geological Survey of India is also trying to find out. Unfortunately, uranium comes into the food chain and causes cancer, neurological disorders and affects the growth of children - which is a very serious concern," Dr Sharma stated.
Infants are especially vulnerable to uranium exposure due to their developing organs, higher absorption rates of toxic metals, and low body weight that amplifies exposure effects. Uranium contamination can lead to kidney damage, neurological impairment, cognitive delays and increased cancer risk later in life.
Environmental Context and Urgent Call to Action
Bihar's environmental conditions have significantly compounded the contamination issue. The state's heavy dependence on groundwater for drinking and irrigation, combined with discharge of untreated industrial effluents and long-term use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has already led to contamination with arsenic, lead and mercury in biological samples.
The detection of uranium in breast milk signals that environmental contamination has reached the most vulnerable population - infants who depend entirely on their mothers for nutrition.
Despite the alarming results, researchers strongly emphasize that breastfeeding should continue without interruption. Breast milk remains irreplaceable for immunity and early development, and should be discontinued only on specific medical advice.
The study calls for urgent biomonitoring, rigorous water-quality testing and immediate public-health intervention. While elevated uranium in groundwater has been reported globally in countries including Canada, the US, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, Bangladesh, China, Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Mekong delta, its presence in breast milk in Bihar represents an escalation of the problem to a new level of concern.
This research serves as a critical wake-up call for environmental protection and public health intervention to safeguard future generations from the devastating effects of uranium contamination.
