Uranium Detected in Breastmilk in Bihar | 24 Nov 2025

Why in News?

A new study of 40 lactating mothers across six districts in Bihar found uranium (U-238) in 100% of breastmilk samples, signalling potential health risks for infants who rely exclusively on breastmilk in their early months.

Key Findings

• The study was conducted across Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda, analysing samples from mothers aged 17-35 between October 2021 and July 2024.
• It found uranium concentrations ranged up to 5.25 µg/L, with the highest single value recorded in Katihar district and the highest district average in Khagaria
• Infant risk modelling showed that about 70% of infants in the studied cohort had Hazard Quotient (HQ) > 1, indicating potential non-carcinogenic risks if exposure continues.
• While there is no established permissible limit for uranium in breastmilk, the WHO’s provisional guideline for uranium in drinking water is 30 µg/L. Most breastmilk values were well below this
• Likely sources of uranium contamination include groundwater, agricultural fertiliser use, over‐extraction of aquifers and geogenic rock formations—the study referenced earlier groundwater findings of up to 82 µg/L uranium in districts like Supaul.
• Researchers caution that infants are more vulnerable because their organs are still developing and they eliminate uranium less efficiently than adults.

Uranium Contamination

• Uranium (U-238) is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal with chemical toxicity especially affecting kidneys, bones and neurological development.
• Over 150 districts across 18 Indian states have reported elevated uranium in groundwater (> 30 µg/L).
• Key health concerns for infants include nephrotoxicity, impaired neurodevelopment, reduced IQ and delayed motor skills, though actual clinical effects from low-level exposure remain unclear.