Archive · 23 Nov 2025
Uranium in Bihar Breastmilk: No Immediate Threat, Long-term Concerns
A study found uranium in the breastmilk of 40 mothers in Bihar, India.
The levels were below harmful limits, but experts worry about long-term effects on infants.
Groundwater might be the source, and more testing is needed to understand the extent of contamination.
Despite this, experts advise mothers to continue breastfeeding.
Uranium detected in breastmilk of 40 mothers in Bihar
Levels below harmful limits but raise long-term health concerns
Groundwater suspected as source of contamination
Study conducted across six Bihar districts
Health experts urge continued breastfeeding despite findings
- Who
- 40 lactating mothers in Bihar, India
- What
- Found uranium in their breastmilk
- When
- Between October 2021 and July 2024
- Where
- Six districts of Bihar: Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, and Nalanda
- Why
- To analyze uranium content in breastmilk
Immediate Health Threat
Long-term Health Concerns
Uranium Levels
Immediate Health Threat
Below harmful limits in current samples
Long-term Health Concerns
Potential long-term effects on mothers and infants
Source of Contamination
Immediate Health Threat
Groundwater and food sources suspected
Long-term Health Concerns
Exact source unclear, needs further investigation
- Study Duration
- Nearly three years
- Number of Mothers Tested
- 40
- Highest Uranium Concentration
- 5.25 µg/L in Katihar district
- Permissible Limit for Uranium in Water
- 30 µg/L (WHO standard for groundwater)
- Funding Institutions
- ICMR and NIPER
Sources
Uranium found in breastmilk of 40 tested mothers in Bihar: Study
Study In Bihar Finds Uranium In Breastmilk. Top Scientist Punctures Scare
Uranium found in breast milk of Bihar mothers: 70% of infants at potential risk
Bihar: Uranium Found in Breastmilk of Lactating Mothers, Infants at Potential Health Risk, More Studies Expected in Other States
