A recent study detecting uranium in the breast milk of lactating mothers in India’s eastern state of Bihar has sparked widespread public concern. However, a senior scientist from the country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has clarified that the findings pose no significant threat to public health, as the detected levels are far below the safety limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to a report published by NDTV on Sunday, Dr. Dinesh K. Oswal—nuclear scientist, NDMA member, and former director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre—said in an interview that there is no reason for the public to panic.
He stated that the detected levels fall well within the safe range. In fact, WHO’s permitted limit for uranium in drinking water is nearly six times higher than the concentration found in the breast milk samples.
The study, conducted by researchers from Patna’s Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Lovely Professional University, and New Delhi’s AIIMS, was published in the British journal Scientific Reports. The research reveals that breast milk samples from Bihar showed a maximum uranium level of 5 parts per billion (ppb).
Dr. Ashok Sharma of AIIMS, a co-author of the study, told the ANI news agency that the breast milk of all 40 lactating mothers sampled contained uranium (U-238).
“Although the study indicates potential non-carcinogenic risks for 70% of infants, the overall uranium levels remain below the permitted limit, and the actual health risk for both mother and child is considered very low,” he said.
Prolonged exposure to uranium can pose health hazards, particularly to children. However, the researchers noted that the current findings do not suggest immediate danger, and mothers should continue breastfeeding without interruption.
Dr. Oswal reiterated that there is no reason for concern.
WHO’s safe limit for uranium in drinking water is 30 ppb, which is significantly higher than the levels found in Bihar. He added that small amounts of uranium occur naturally in the earth’s crust. Moreover, most uranium consumed by mothers is expelled through urine, with only a negligible amount passing into breast milk.
What the Study Found
The research team, led by Dr. Arun Kumar of Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, noted that rising uranium contamination in groundwater has become a serious public health issue in India. Uranium pollution has been detected in groundwater across 151 districts in 18 Indian states.
To evaluate uranium exposure in infants through breastfeeding, 40 lactating women from different districts in Bihar were selected. Breast milk samples were collected with written consent and analyzed for U-238.
The study also assessed carcinogenic risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ) for both infants and mothers.
It found that infants are more sensitive to non-carcinogenic risks than mothers due to differences in uranium excretion rates. The presence of uranium in all samples suggests potential health concerns for infants.
The report recommends expanded biomonitoring in regions with known uranium exposure.
Scientific Basis of the Research
Breast milk is globally recognized as the “gold standard” of infant nutrition, providing essential nutrients, antibodies, and bioactive components crucial for growth and immunity. WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for at least two years.
Why the Issue Matters
Misrepresentation or misunderstanding of scientific findings can create unnecessary public fear. Dr. Oswal emphasized that the purpose of the study is to prevent misinformation and protect breastfeeding practices, which are vital from a public health perspective.
Experts note that the benefits of breastfeeding overwhelmingly outweigh environmental risks. Breastfed infants have lower chances of infections, obesity, and long-term diseases, while mothers benefit from reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancer.
Global Context
WHO’s safe threshold is six times higher than the amount detected in Bihar’s samples, offering considerable safety margins. International studies also show that such low levels are typically natural and not harmful.
Dr. Oswal concluded, “Public health decisions must be guided by science, not fear. Our findings confirm that breastfeeding is completely safe.”
