Patna: The Mahavir Cancer Institute (MCI) in Patna has clarified that breastfeeding mothers need not panic over the presence of uranium in breast milk. Experts stress that, despite traces of uranium in groundwater, breastfeeding remains the safest and most effective method of infant nutrition.
Research Findings
Officials and research scientists at MCI, including Superintendent L.B. Singh, Director Manisha Singh, and Head of Medical Research Ashok Ghosh, explained that their study focused on uranium levels in groundwater. The study analyzed breast milk samples from 40 lactating mothers aged 17–35, collected from six districts of Bihar: Bhojpur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Nalanda, Samastipur, and Katihar. Uranium (U238) contamination in groundwater ranged from 0 to 5.5 micrograms per liter.
Breastfeeding Still Recommended
Despite the contamination, experts emphasized that breastfeeding should continue unless medically advised otherwise. “The study highlights that breast milk remains the optimal source of nutrition for infants,” the researchers stated. They noted that no cancer-related risks were observed among the infants studied, although non-carcinogenic health effects could occur in about 70% of the studied infant population.
Wider Context of Uranium Contamination
Ashok Ghosh, former Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, pointed out that uranium contamination in groundwater is a serious concern in India, affecting 151 districts across 18 states, including Bihar. Previous studies had reported uranium presence in groundwater in 11 districts, including Gopalganj, Saran, Siwan, East Champaran, Patna, Vaishali, Nawada, Nalanda, Supaul, Katihar, and Bhagalpur. The breast milk samples for this study were collected from six of these districts.
Potential Sources of Contamination
The researchers suggested that uranium in breast milk could originate from local drinking water sources or food grown in contaminated soil. While the contamination levels were low, the study underscores the importance of monitoring environmental pollutants while assuring that breastfeeding remains safe and beneficial.