Overview
- Researchers analyzed breastmilk from 40 mothers in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda between 2021 and 2024 and found uranium-238 in every sample.
- Concentrations reached up to 5.25 µg/L, with Katihar recording the highest single value and Khagaria the highest district average.
- Risk assessment estimated that about 70% of exposed infants had hazard-quotient values above 1, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health concerns.
- There is no established permissible limit for uranium in breast milk, although the WHO’s provisional guideline for drinking water is 30 µg/L.
- The study urges continued breastfeeding, expanded biomonitoring and water-quality testing, and notes that the Geological Survey of India is investigating the contamination source.