Uranium (U238) found in breastmilk of lactating mothers in Bihar, expert says ‘no concern’

A study has revealed significant level of uranium (U238) content in the breastmilk of lactating mothers across several districts in Bihar. The study disclosed all the participants who had provided breastmilk samples had significant uranium concentrations between 0 and 6 µg/L.  The study found that the breastmilk samples of all 40 lactating mothers however had significant uranium contamination but had very least impact in the health of mother and infants. Moreover, 70 per cent of the infants had potential to cause non-carcinogenic health effects.

As the findings of the study has raised serious concerns, the health experts said if the uranium contamination are beyond the safe limit, it could have serious implications. “There is no permissible limit or benchmark specified for breast milk uranium concentration. If it is under the safe the limit, there might be no risk. But if the uranium concentration are higher in the breast milk, it could result into the neurological and behavioural disorders of the child”, said Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Delhi based fertility expert. She asserted that these districts where the study has been conducted are exposed to the heavy materials also.  

As per the study, the Uranium concentration in breastmilk as lowest was observed in Nalanda district, while highest was observed in Khagaria district. However, the highest U238 concentration was observed in Katihar district. The maximum uranium concentration observed in the breastmilk samples was 5.25 µg/L. The study was carried out between October 2021 and July 2024 in six districts of Bihar: Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda. A total of forty mothers aged between 17 and 35 took part in the research. Each participant provided a breastmilk sample, which was then tested for uranium content.

“The entire study indicates that U238 contamination in breastmilk could pose health concerns among the exposed infants and it can lead to low IQ, deteriorated neurological development and many mental health issues. Moreover, the evidence presented supports the statement that “all the samples had the uranium contents”; however, the reported concentrations are below the permissible limits hence, there could be least significant health threat from uranium exposure”, said the researchers.

In India, an estimated 151 districts and 18 states are reported with groundwater uranium contamination, and about 1.7% of groundwater sources are affected in the state of Bihar (India).