Uranium Found in Breast Milk Across Six Bihar Districts, Raising Serious Health Concerns for Newborns
New Disaster in Bihar: Uranium Found in Breast Milk, Infants at Risk in 6 Districts: A shocking revelation has emerged from Bihar, where the very source of a newborn’s first nourishment—mother’s milk—has been found contaminated with uranium. A study published in the prestigious journal Nature has uncovered that breast milk from every sampled mother in six districts of Bihar contained uranium (U238). The discovery highlights a deepening groundwater pollution crisis affecting even the earliest stages of life.
The study, conducted between October 2021 and July 2024, was led by Dr. Arun Kumar and Professor Ashok Ghosh of Mahavir Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Dr. Ashok Sharma of AIIMS, New Delhi. Researchers collected breast milk samples from 40 women aged 17 to 35 in the districts of Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, and Nalanda.
Shockingly, every single sample tested positive for uranium. There is currently no global safe limit for uranium in breast milk, meaning even minimal levels pose potential danger.
Khagaria showed the highest average contamination, while Nalanda had the lowest. Katihar reported the highest level in a single sample. The study found that around 70% of infants were exposed to uranium levels capable of causing significant non-carcinogenic health risks. Infants are particularly vulnerable, as their developing organs absorb heavy metals more rapidly and even small amounts can cause serious harm.
How did uranium enter mother’s milk?
The source of uranium contamination remains unclear.
According to Dr. Ashok Sharma of AIIMS,
“We don’t know the source yet. The Geological Survey of India is investigating. But the fact that uranium has entered the food chain and is causing cancer, neurological diseases, and affecting child development is extremely concerning.”
Researchers warn that the contamination of groundwater has now infiltrated the entire food chain, posing long-term public health risks across Bihar.
Should mothers stop breastfeeding?
Despite the alarming findings, scientists have strongly advised mothers not to stop breastfeeding. Breast milk remains essential for immunity and early development, and no substitute can replace its nutritional value. Discontinuation should only happen on the advice of a doctor.
The study has raised urgent concerns about water quality and public health in Bihar, calling for immediate government intervention and thorough investigation into groundwater contamination sources.
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