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Although 70% of the children showed a non-cancer health risk, the total uranium levels were below the permissible limit and it is expected that the actual health impact on both mothers and children will be minimal.
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Patna: A recent study in Bihar has revealed dangerous levels of uranium (U238) in mothers' milk, raising serious concerns about the health of their children. Researchers from several institutions have found that exposure to uranium through breast milk can pose significant non-cancer health risks to children.
Dr. Ashok Sharma of AIIMS Delhi is a co-author of the study. He stated that the study analyzed the breast milk of 40 lactating mothers, and uranium (U-238) was found in all samples.
Although 70% of the children showed a non-cancer health risk, the total uranium levels were below the permissible limit and it is expected that the actual health impact on both mothers and children will be minimal.
The highest average contamination was found in Khagaria district, and the highest individual values were found in Katihar district. Although uranium exposure may pose risks such as impaired neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should not be discontinued and remains the most beneficial source of nutrition for children unless clinically indicated.
Serious Effects on Children
The study found that 70% of children had an HQ > 1, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk from uranium exposure through breast milk. Uranium exposure in children can affect kidney development, neurological development, cognitive and mental health outcomes.
He stated that, however, based on the observed uranium concentrations in breast milk samples (0-5.25 ug/L), the study still concludes that the actual impact on infant health is likely minimal, and that most of the uranium absorbed by mothers is primarily excreted through urine and not concentrated in breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is recommended unless clinical indications suggest otherwise.
Dr. Ashok also stated that similar studies will be conducted in other states to determine the presence of heavy metals. He stated, "We are investigating heavy metals and their impact on human health in other states, which is a pressing need."
Study conducted on 40 women
This study was conducted on 40 lactating women randomly selected from different districts of Bihar to determine the amount of U238 in breast milk. All samples tested contained uranium, and the highest levels were observed in Katihar district.
Health risk assessments revealed that children are particularly vulnerable due to their reduced ability to remove uranium from their bodies.
The study estimates that 70% of the analyzed children may experience non-carcinogenic health effects from exposure.
Uranium is a health hazard
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element commonly found in granite and other rocks. It can contaminate groundwater through natural processes and human activities such as mining, coal burning, emissions from the nuclear industry, and the use of phosphate fertilizers.
Regarding further studies to determine the presence of pesticides and environmental pollutants in breast milk, Dr. Ashok said the article outlines future directions, and pesticides are included in their plans.
He explained that the investigation, as per the discussion and conclusion section of the study, focused on uranium (U-238) in breast milk. Previous work had already identified arsenic, lead, and mercury in breast milk.
Dr. Ashok explained that they also emphasize the need for continuous biomonitoring of toxic contaminants, including environmental pollutants like pesticides, in breast milk to better understand children's exposure risks.
Water is also contaminated
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets a provisional limit of 30 micrograms per liter (µg/L) for uranium in drinking water, while some countries, such as Germany, have adopted a stricter limit of 10 µg/L.
In India, uranium contamination has been reported in approximately 151 districts across 18 states, with 1.7% of groundwater sources in Bihar affected.
Globally, elevated uranium levels have been observed in countries such as 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 found elevated uranium levels in groundwater, clear clinical symptoms have not been consistently observed in exposed populations.
