Infant at Risk: Uranium Traces Found in Breast Milk

A study has been conducted in six districts of Bihar, resulting in shocking and worrying findings. The study included a sample of 40 mothers between the ages of 17 to  33 who were lactating. These were from districts, namely Bhojpur, Nalanda, Begusarai, Khagaria, Samastipur, and Katihar. As a result, every sample of breast milk was discovered to have uranium content. Uranium (U-238) level ranged up to 5.25 microgram per litre. The research has been conducted by various institutions, including Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Research Centre in Patna, Lovely Professional University and AIIMS Delhi. 

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Risk of Uranium 

Though uranium has always been linked to cancer, this study highlights the risk of human health affecting neurological development, kidney development, cognitive development and mental health outcomes. Long-term exposure has been significantly linked to lower Intellectual Quotient (IQ), and neurodevelopmental delay. 

Uranium in the Human Body 

The presence of uranium in the body is equivalent to a toxin circulating inside the body. Uranium is a radioactive chemical toxin that puts a high amount of pressure on the kidneys to be removed. This continuous process of removal of toxins. But a continuous long-term presence of uranium in the body can impact kidney functioning, mineral imbalance, and fatigue. Uranium also gets accumulated in bone, which significantly affects metabolic health and bone strength. Just like calcium, uranium also gets deposited in the bones, weakening and thinning them. For lactating females whose body has a higher demand for calcium, uranium can become harmful. 

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Invisible Harm of Uranium 

The risk and effect of uranium in the human body is a gradual process, often referred to as a silent impact. The signs and symptoms become observable much later. This research highlights that, along with environmental effects, human beings and especially infants are also impacted significantly by the contamination.