Uranium in breast milk – a thorn in the side of ‘amruta’; What is the effect on mothers and babies? | Public TV

TaYi’s breast milk is equal to nectar. Breast milk is the source of healthy growth of the baby. Its importance is great in the nutrition of babies. Breast milk provides the best nutrients for baby’s growth. A complete food that strengthens the mother-child bond. It increases the immunity of the child. Facilitates digestion. Reduces the risk of diseases. Breastfeeding is good not only for the baby but also for the health of the mother. Breast milk also plays an important role in the intestinal cord relationship.

There is no other food equal to mother’s breast milk. Such breast milk is now contaminated. Yes, shocking news has come out from the medical world regarding breast milk. A recent study conducted in some districts of Bihar has shocked people. A dangerous chemical called ‘Uranium’ has been detected in the mother’s breast milk. 40 lactating women were studied. Milk samples were taken from all these women. Surprisingly, uranium was found in all the samples during the test. The maximum concentration of uranium can be found up to 5.25 micrograms per liter. What is Uranium? How does this chemical enter the mother’s body? What are the health effects of drinking breast milk enriched with uranium? What precautions should mothers take? Also Read: Uranium found in breast milk in 6 districts of Bihar

What is Uranium?
Uranium is a dangerous chemical. It is a naturally occurring radioactive metal. It is used in other applications such as nuclear power generation, atomic bomb and sometimes ceramic glazes. It is found in Earth’s crust, soil and water. Due to radiation it causes health problems.

How does the chemical enter the body?
People in several states, including Bihar, depend directly on groundwater for drinking water. The presence of uranium has already been confirmed in the waters of many regions. Uranium usually enters the body through contaminated drinking water, food, or contact with dust and soil. In many parts of Bihar, Barantis are consuming contaminated water. Contaminated water can pass directly from the mother’s body to the baby. Thus, uranium has been detected in breast milk. This is very worrying.

What is its effect?
When uranium content enters the body, it damages the kidneys and bones. Babies body’s immune system is not fully developed. So this risk is still high. In such a situation uranium through milk affects their growth and mental health.

Which parts of the child’s body are more damaged?
Uranium has a very significant effect on the child’s kidneys. Kidney plays an important role in removing toxins from the body. Uranium can weaken kidney filters. Uranium accumulates in bones and affects their growth. In newborns, it also affects brain development. In the long run this can lead to weakness, slow growth and increased risk of health problems. Also read: If you put a phone number, it will reveal the horoscope – “data theft” anxiety created “proxy earth”!

Should breastfeeding be stopped immediately if uranium is detected?
If the presence of uranium in breast milk is suspected, breastfeeding should not be stopped immediately. Breast milk is the safest and most nutritious food for babies. Uranium levels are usually not high enough to cause immediate harm. Stopping milk without examination and doctor’s advice can be very harmful to the baby. The correct method is to test the mother and the water. If necessary seek guidance from an expert.

What is the doctor’s advice?
Women can test their body or breast milk for uranium at government medical colleges, district hospitals or accredited laboratories. For this, milk, blood or urine samples are taken and tested in special machines. A doctor’s consultation is required for the test. Based on the report, the doctor decides if the level is safe or if treatment and precautions are required.

Where does uranium in breast milk come from?
Uranium in breast milk usually comes from contaminated drinking water. In areas where uranium is present in groundwater, it enters the mother’s body by drinking that water. In small amounts it can also enter breast milk through food. It can also come through crops grown in particularly polluted water. Risk through inhalation is very low. Once in the body, uranium reaches the mammary glands with the blood.

In which areas should women be more careful?
Women living in areas where uranium has been confirmed in groundwater should be extra cautious. Some districts of Bihar and many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Telangana are considered as such areas. The risk increases when people drink water directly from borewells or handpumps. Pregnant and lactating women in such areas should test their water regularly. Only safe filters or purified sources should be used.

Does Drinking Boiled Water Reduce Uranium Risk?
Water boiled at home does not reduce the risk of uranium. Boiling only kills bacteria and germs. However, uranium is a metallic element that remains soluble in water. Not destroyed by boiling. As water boils and its volume decreases, its density may increase slightly. Therefore, boiling water is not enough to neutralize uranium. Proper water filters or a safe water source are essential.

How much do you know about uranium filtering?
RO Filter: RO filters separate heavy metals such as uranium dissolved in water with the help of a semi-permeable membrane. This is a very effective home method for uranium removal.

Ion exchange system: This system replaces the uranium ions in the water with safe ions. This reduces the amount of uranium in the water. Makes it drinkable.

Activated Alumina Filter: Activated alumina adsorbs uranium on its surface. It is an effective and scientifically proven technique for removing uranium from groundwater.

Distillation: In distillation water is boiled to create steam. Heavy elements such as uranium are left behind. It makes condensed water cleaner.

Coagulation detection: In this process, chemicals are added to transform the uranium particles into larger particles. Later, these are removed by filtration to purify the water.

Absorbent Media Filters: These filters contain special media that captures uranium through chemical bonds. This technique is considered effective in removing heavy metals from water.

Community Water Treatment Plant: These units remove large amounts of uranium by combining RO, ion exchange and filtration techniques. It supplies safe water to the entire region.

Do home RO or other water filters really block uranium?
Domestic RO (reverse osmosis) filters can often stop uranium by separating dissolved heavy metals from water. However, ordinary candle filters or UV filters cannot remove uranium. A certified and regularly serviced RO system for heavy metals removal is essential for proper safety. Unmaintained filters are also ineffective.

What are the early symptoms of a uranium affected child’s body?
Early symptoms of a uranium-affected child are still unclear. But gradually, repeated vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, changes in urination or unusual fatigue may appear. Some children may have symptoms of recurrent infections, bone weakness or slow growth. If such symptoms continue for a long time, the kidney and brain development will be affected.

What should be done first if the child has such symptoms?
As soon as such symptoms appear, refer the child to the nearest government hospital or paediatrician. Do not self-medicate. The doctor may examine the child, perform blood, urine or other necessary tests. It is also recommended to check the mother’s drinking water and health. Timely treatment and proper advice can prevent serious damage. Delay in this matter is dangerous.

Can formula milk be a safe alternative for a baby?
Formula milk prepared with pure water can be a temporary substitute on doctor’s advice. But it is not advisable to stop breastfeeding without examination and advice.

What are the precautionary measures for pregnant women?
Drink only RO or safe water. Do not use direct water from borewells or handpumps. Get checked by a doctor. Eat a balanced diet with regular antioxidant-rich foods.

What items in the daily diet can increase the risk?
Vegetables grown with contaminated water or food from unknown sources may increase the risk. But a diet rich in fruits, green vegetables, milk, legumes and vitamin-C can help prevent the risk.