{"id":6563,"date":"2025-11-25T21:45:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T16:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/?p=6563"},"modified":"2025-11-25T21:46:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T16:16:20","slug":"uranium-in-breastmilk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/25\/uranium-in-breastmilk\/","title":{"rendered":"Uranium Detected in Breastmilk Across Six Bihar Districts; 70% of Infants at Risk !"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/side-view-mother-with-cute-newborn-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"uranium\" class=\"wp-image-6571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/side-view-mother-with-cute-newborn-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/side-view-mother-with-cute-newborn-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/side-view-mother-with-cute-newborn-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/side-view-mother-with-cute-newborn-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/side-view-mother-with-cute-newborn-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A new scientific study has raised alarm over the presence of uranium in the breastmilk of lactating mothers across several districts of Bihar, putting thousands of infants at potential health risk. The research, published in <em>Scientific Reports<\/em>, marks the first-ever assessment of contamination in breastmilk from the Gangetic plains \u2014 a region already struggling with chronic exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#all-breastmilk-samples-contaminated\">All Breastmilk Samples Contaminated<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#khagaria-most-affected\">Khagaria Most Affected<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#70-of-infants-at-risk\">70% of Infants at Risk<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#health-effects-of-uranium-exposure\">Health Effects of Uranium Exposure<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#groundwater-contamination-the-likely-source\">Groundwater Contamination the Likely Source<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-breastmilk-still-shows-lower-levels\">Why Breastmilk Still Shows Lower Levels<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-growing-public-health-concern\">A Growing Public Health Concern<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"all-breastmilk-samples-contaminated\"><strong>All Breastmilk Samples Contaminated<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The study analysed breastmilk samples from 40 lactating mothers aged 17\u201335 years from six districts \u2014 <strong>Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, and Nalanda<\/strong>. Shockingly, <strong>every single sample tested positive for uranium (U-238)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe present study reports 100% lactating mothers having their breastmilk highly contaminated with u-238,\u201d the authors noted. Uranium levels varied case-to-case, with concentrations reaching <strong>as high as 5.25 \u00b5g\/L<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although no global health body has defined a \u201csafe limit\u201d for uranium in breastmilk, the detection of radioactive heavy metals in infant nutrition is considered a serious public health concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"khagaria-most-affected\"><strong>Khagaria Most Affected<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>District-wise mapping revealed striking variation in contamination:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Khagaria<\/strong> recorded the <strong>highest mean level<\/strong> at 4.035 \u00b5g\/L<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Katihar<\/strong> reported the <strong>highest single peak concentration<\/strong> at 5.25 \u00b5g\/L<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nalanda<\/strong> had the <strong>lowest mean level<\/strong> at 2.354 \u00b5g\/L<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The study\u2019s spatial analysis indicates that contamination is likely linked to underlying hydrogeochemical patterns and environmental sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"70-of-infants-at-risk\"><strong>70% of Infants at Risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations, researchers evaluated infant exposure through breastmilk. The results were alarming:<br><strong>Nearly 70% of breastfed infants were found to be at risk of non-cancer health effects<\/strong> if uranium intake continues at current levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the study did not detect significant cancer risks at present, it emphasised concerns about <strong>non-carcinogenic toxicity<\/strong>, particularly in infants whose organs are still developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cInfants are highly vulnerable because they absorb heavy metals more readily, have lower body weight, and are less capable of excreting uranium,\u201d the authors stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-effects-of-uranium-exposure\"><strong>Health Effects of Uranium Exposure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The study highlights multiple risks associated with uranium ingestion in early life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nephrotoxicity<\/strong>, leading to long-term kidney damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neurological and developmental impairment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential impact on <strong>cognitive and behavioural growth<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interference with <strong>bone development and immune function<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ability to cross <strong>blood-brain<\/strong> and <strong>placental barriers<\/strong>, directly affecting neurological development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although uranium is radioactive, its <strong>chemical toxicity<\/strong> \u2014 especially on kidneys \u2014 poses a more immediate threat to infants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"groundwater-contamination-the-likely-source\"><strong>Groundwater Contamination the Likely Source<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the study focused solely on breastmilk, it references earlier research by the same team showing widespread uranium contamination in groundwater across Bihar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some previously recorded groundwater concentrations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>82 \u00b5g\/L in Supaul<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>77 \u00b5g\/L in Nalanda<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>66 \u00b5g\/L in Vaishali<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These values far exceed the WHO\u2019s recommended limit of <strong>30 \u00b5g\/L<\/strong> for safe drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The likely causes of contamination include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Naturally occurring <strong>uranium-rich geological formations<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Over-extraction<\/strong> of groundwater<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of <strong>phosphate fertilisers<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Industrial discharge<\/strong> and untreated wastewater<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With 11 districts reporting unsafe uranium levels, researchers warn that contamination is <strong>not localised<\/strong> but widespread across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-breastmilk-still-shows-lower-levels\"><strong>Why Breastmilk Still Shows Lower Levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, though groundwater contamination is significantly high, uranium levels in breastmilk remain in the microgram range. This is because uranium tends not to accumulate in breast tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The study explains:<br>\u201cUranium binds to plasma proteins and preferentially accumulates in bones and kidneys rather than in breast milk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This suggests that breastmilk contamination reflects <strong>recent daily exposure<\/strong>, not long-term accumulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-growing-public-health-concern\"><strong>A Growing Public Health Concern<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With Bihar heavily reliant on groundwater for drinking and agriculture, the spread of uranium contamination poses a significant public health challenge \u2014 particularly for infants dependent solely on breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The authors call for urgent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Large-scale water testing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mitigation strategies<\/strong> for contaminated regions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public health awareness<\/strong> for at-risk communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Policy intervention<\/strong> to monitor and regulate groundwater extraction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This groundbreaking study underscores an emerging environmental and health crisis in Bihar \u2014 one that demands immediate action to safeguard the state\u2019s youngest and most vulnerable population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more updates, follow\u00a0<\/strong>us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X (Twitter)<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0&amp;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/people\/Med-College-Darshan\/61559007482232\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>. And our website\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/\">MED COLLEGE DARSHAN<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-724x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-1448x2048.png 1448w, https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2.png 1587w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A new scientific study has raised alarm over the presence of uranium in the breastmilk of lactating mothers across several districts of Bihar, putting thousands of infants at potential health risk. The research, published in Scientific Reports, marks the first-ever assessment of contamination in breastmilk from the Gangetic plains \u2014 a region already struggling with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"saved_in_kubio":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_glsr_average":0,"_glsr_ranking":0,"_glsr_reviews":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[551,1400,1399,1401,1402],"class_list":["post-6563","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-treding","tag-bihar-news","tag-breastmilk","tag-uranium","tag-uranium-in-breastmilk","tag-uranium-in-breastmilk-bihar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6563","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6563"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6572,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6563\/revisions\/6572"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6563"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medcollegedarshan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}