Patna, Nov 24: It is said that mother's breast milk is equal to nectar, but in a strange case, the shocking fact that toxic uranium content has been found in the breast milk of the mother given to the child has come to light.
Yes.. A shocking case of poison mixed in mother's milk, which is considered the safest and most sacred source of nutrition for the life of a newborn baby, has been reported in Bihar. The problem of groundwater pollution in Bihar is seriously affecting the health of newborn babies.
This shocking fact was revealed in a research conducted by Dr. Ashok Sharma, Department of Biochemistry, Mahavir Cancer Institute, Patna, in collaboration with AIIMS, Delhi, and this report has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature.
This study has revealed that uranium was found in the milk of every breastfeeding woman in six districts of the state of Bihar. This is not just scientific data, but also the horrifying truth that poison is now entering the body of children directly through their mothers' laps.
The research, conducted between October 2021 and July 2024, collected breast milk samples from 40 mothers aged 17-35 years in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khageria, Katihar and Nalanda.
Uranium was found in all the breast milk samples collected. The concentration ranged from 0 to 5.25 g/L. There is no permissible limit for uranium in breast milk. Khageria was found to have the highest level. Nalanda had the lowest level. The report states that about 70% of the infants may face potential non-carcinogenic health problems.
Study in 6 districts
Breast milk samples of 40 women aged 17 to 35 years were tested in Bihar's Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda. Surprisingly, uranium (U238) was found in all the samples. No country or organisation has set a safe limit for uranium in breast milk, meaning no amount can be considered scientifically safe.
According to the report, Khagaria district recorded the highest average contamination, while Nalanda recorded the lowest. Katihar had the highest level in a single sample. The study revealed that about 70% of the infants were exposed to levels that pose serious health risks other than cancer.
Experts say the greatest risk is to children whose organs are still developing. Their bodies absorb heavy metals quickly and due to their low weight, even small amounts become more harmful.
How did uranium reach breast milk?
AIIMS co-author Dr. According to Ashok Sharma, it is still not clear how the uranium reached the breast milk, he said, adding, "We do not know the source. The Geological Survey of India is also investigating the cause." But he opined that the fact that uranium is entering the food chain and causing cancer, neurological diseases and affecting the development of children is a matter of serious concern.