A new scientific report has raised serious concerns in Bihar after detecting high levels of uranium in the breast milk of women from six districts. The findings point to a potential health threat for infants, who are more vulnerable to toxic exposure during early development. Researchers found uranium concentrations reaching up to 5.25 microgrammes per litre, with every sample showing measurable contamination. While there is no global benchmark for uranium levels in breast milk, health experts say the presence of the radioactive metal in any amount warrants attention. They added that uranium exposure in infancy could lead to non carcinogenic health complications, although the study did not find evidence of cancer related risks in the mothers or children examined.
The discovery follows earlier reports of lead and arsenic in breast milk samples collected from other parts of Bihar in recent years. Together, these findings point to a broader pattern of environmental contamination across the state. The latest study was conducted by scientists from Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre in Patna, Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Hajipur and AIIMS Delhi. Between October 2021 and July 2024, the team collected samples from 40 lactating mothers aged 17 to 35. The women were from Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda. Uranium levels were measured using an advanced US made LC ICP MS instrument at NIPER Hajipur.
The researchers examined both the hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk to evaluate potential health impacts. Infants were found to face a significantly higher level of non carcinogenic risk than their mothers due to their lower body weight and the way uranium is processed by the body. According to the report, nearly 70 per cent of infants in the sample group were vulnerable to possible non cancer health effects. District wise variations were also marked. Katihar recorded the highest concentration at 5.2 microgrammes per litre. Nalanda showed the lowest mean value, while Khagaria had the highest average contamination level among the six districts.
The study highlights drinking water and locally grown food as likely sources of uranium exposure. Much of rural Bihar depends on groundwater, and earlier research has already identified uranium contamination in 11 districts across the state. Nationally, the issue spans 151 districts in 18 states, making it a widespread environmental challenge. Scientists say the findings underscore the need for urgent water quality assessments and stronger public health interventions to protect mothers and children in affected regions.