Breastmilk of 40 Bihar mothers found contaminated with Uranium: Study
A Nature-published study has revealed a disturbing trend from Bihar: breastmilk samples of all 40 lactating mothers tested were found contaminated with uranium. The research, conducted between October 2021 and July 2024, covered six districts — Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda.
Although the concentrations remained below WHO’s groundwater permissible limit of 30 µg/L, researchers described the finding as “high contamination” and warned that exposure could still pose neurological and developmental risks to infants.
What the Study Found
Breastmilk samples from women aged 17 to 35 were analysed, and every single sample contained uranium. Katihar recorded the highest concentration at 5.25 µg/L, followed by:
- Samastipur
- Nalanda
- Khagaria
- Begusarai
- Bhojpur
Researchers flagged hazardous levels particularly in Katihar’s samples, despite the levels remaining within global drinking-water limits.
District-Wise Uranium Levels (Highest Observed)
- Katihar: 5.25 µg/L
- Samastipur: 4.76 µg/L
- Nalanda: 4.73 µg/L
- Khagaria: 4.48 µg/L
- Begusarai: 4.03 µg/L
- Bhojpur: 3.87 µg/L
The study clarified that no official permissible limit exists for uranium in breastmilk, making these findings critical.
Groundwater Emerges as Major Suspect
The study points to contaminated groundwater as the likely source. Uranium levels in Bihar’s groundwater were reported as high as:
Supaul: 82 µg/L
- Nalanda: 77 µg/L
- Vaishali: 66 µg/L
Researchers linked contamination to:
- Heavy dependence on groundwater for drinking and irrigation
- Industrial effluents entering water bodies
- Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
The Geological Survey of India is now examining the origins, though experts warn the contamination may be entering the food chain, with potential long-term health impacts such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Health Concerns for Infants
While the study states that overall toxicity impact is minimal, it warns that uranium exposure may still influence:
- IQ levels
- Neurological development
- Cognitive and behavioural growth
However, because uranium tends to accumulate in bones and kidneys, not in breastmilk, researchers believe the risk remains lower than expected. Its primary excretion through urine further reduces infant exposure.
Who Conducted the Study?
The research was carried out by the Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Patna, with support from:
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- NIPER–Hajipur, Bihar