Uranium Found in Breast Milk Across 6 Bihar Districts

Patna: In a shocking revelation, a new study published in Nature has found traces of uranium in the breast milk of every lactating mother tested across six districts of Bihar. The findings indicate a direct transfer of toxic uranium—present in the region’s groundwater for years—into the bodies of newborns through their first and most essential source of nutrition.

The study was conducted jointly by the Mahavir Cancer Institute, Patna (under Dr. Arun Kumar and Prof. Ashok Ghosh) and the Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS New Delhi (under Dr. Ashok Sharma).

40 Breast Milk Samples Tested — All Contained Uranium

Between October 2021 and July 2024, researchers collected breast milk samples from 40 mothers aged 17–35 years in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, and Nalanda.
Shockingly, all samples tested positive for Uranium-238, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 5.25 µg/L.

While there is no globally defined “safe limit” for uranium in breast milk, the study reports that 70% of infants were exposed to levels capable of causing non-carcinogenic health risks.

Health Experts Raise Concerns

Co-author Dr. Ashok Sharma (AIIMS Delhi) confirmed the presence of uranium in all samples and highlighted the potential risks:

“Although the total uranium levels were below the currently accepted limit, nearly 70% of infants showed exposure linked to possible non-cancer health risks. Still, the actual long-term impact on mothers and infants is expected to be minimal.”

He emphasised that breastfeeding must not be discontinued unless medically advised:

“Breast milk remains the most beneficial source of nutrition. Even with uranium exposure risks—such as impaired neurological development or reduced IQ—breastfeeding should continue.”

Environmental Crisis Deepens in Bihar

Bihar’s severe dependence on groundwater for drinking and irrigation, combined with decades of:

• excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides,
• industrial discharge without proper treatment, and
• persistent contamination with arsenic, lead, and mercury,

has already created a major environmental health crisis.
The discovery of uranium in breast milk now confirms that toxic pollutants are directly reaching newborns.

Why Newborns Are Most at Risk

Infants are highly vulnerable due to:

• rapidly developing organs,
• low body weight,
• faster absorption of toxic metals, and
• immature kidney function.

Exposure to uranium can lead to:

• kidney damage,
• neurological disorders,
• cognitive delays, and
• increased cancer risk in later life.

A Global Issue, but Bihar’s Case Alarming

Uranium contamination in groundwater has been detected in several countries, including Canada, the U.S., Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., Bangladesh, China, Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, and the Mekong Delta.

However, uranium entering breast milk at such consistency—as observed in Bihar—raises serious concerns over long-term public health.