A multi-institution study has detected uranium (U238) in breastmilk samples from lactating mothers in six districts of Bihar, raising questions about infant exposure to heavy metals through breastfeeding. The study analysed breastmilk from 40 randomly selected mothers aged 17 to 35 years in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda, with collection carried out between October 2021 and July 2024.

According to the study, every sample tested contained uranium. The researchers quantified U238 levels in the range of 0 to 5.25 micrograms per litre (µg/L), with the highest individual concentration recorded in Katihar district at 5.25 µg/L. The study described Katihar’s samples as showing “hazardous levels” compared with other districts, even as overall concentrations remained

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