Study Reveals Uranium Contamination in Breast Milk Across Bihar Districts: Potential Health Risks for Infants

Clear clinical symptoms among exposed populations have not been consistently observed.

A concerning study has detected uranium (U238) in the breastmilk of nursing mothers across multiple Bihar districts, triggering significant health concerns regarding infant exposure.

The collaborative research indicates that uranium contamination in breastmilk could present substantial non-carcinogenic health risks for infants consuming this milk.

Dr. Ashok Sharma from AIIMS Delhi, a study co-author, explained to ANI: "The research examined breastmilk from 40 lactating mothers and detected uranium (U-238) in all samples. Though 70% of infants demonstrated potential non-carcinogenic health risk, the uranium concentrations remained below permissible thresholds and are anticipated to have minimal actual health consequences for both mothers and babies. Khagaria district showed the highest average contamination, while Katihar district recorded the highest individual measurement. While uranium exposure may risk impaired neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should continue as it remains the optimal infant nutrition source unless clinically contraindicated."

"The findings revealed that 70% of infants had HQ > 1, suggesting possible non-carcinogenic health risks from uranium exposure through breastmilk. Uranium exposure in infants may impact: Kidney development, Neurological development, and Cognitive and mental health outcomes (including low IQ and neurodevelopmental delay) if exposure continues long-term."

"However, considering the observed uranium levels in breastmilk samples (0-5.25 ug/L), the research concludes that the actual impact on infant health is likely minimal, with most uranium absorbed by mothers being eliminated primarily through urine rather than concentrating in breastmilk. Therefore, breastfeeding remains recommended unless clinically indicated otherwise," he stated.

Dr. Ashok further mentioned that similar studies will be conducted in other states to investigate heavy metal presence. "We are currently examining heavy metals in other states and their human health impacts, which is critically needed."

The research, involving 40 randomly selected lactating women from various Bihar districts, quantified U238 in breastmilk. Uranium was detected in all samples, with Katihar district showing the highest concentrations.

Health risk assessments demonstrated that infants are particularly vulnerable due to their limited capacity to eliminate uranium from their systems.

The research estimates that 70 percent of the analyzed infant population might experience non-carcinogenic health effects from this exposure.

Uranium, a naturally radioactive element commonly found in granite and other rock formations, can contaminate groundwater through natural processes and human activities including mining, coal combustion, nuclear industry emissions, and phosphate fertilizer application.

Regarding further studies to identify pesticides and environmental pollutants in breastmilk, Dr. Ashok noted: "The article addresses future research directions, including pesticides. From the study's discussion and conclusion, this investigation focused on uranium (U-238) in breastmilk; our previous work had already identified arsenic, lead, and mercury in breastmilk. We emphasize the necessity for continued biomonitoring of toxic contaminants, including environmental pollutants such as pesticides in breastmilk, to better understand infant exposure risks."

The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes a provisional limit of 30 micrograms per liter (ug/L) for uranium in drinking water, while countries like Germany have implemented stricter standards of 10 ug/L. In India, uranium contamination has been reported across approximately 151 districts in 18 states, with 1.7 percent of Bihar's groundwater sources affected.

Globally, elevated uranium levels have been documented in numerous countries including Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, China, Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, and the lower Mekong Delta region.

Although previous global studies have demonstrated high uranium concentrations in groundwater, clear clinical symptoms among exposed populations haven't been consistently observed.

Nevertheless, the current research emphasizes the urgent need to monitor U238 in Bihar to evaluate and mitigate potential health risks to mothers and their infants.