A very worrying news has come out from Bihar. Whoever read this was shocked. A research conducted here has found that uranium is present in the breast milk of every woman tested in 6 districts of the state. According to the report of Times of India, breast milk of 40 women was examined in joint research of Mahavir Cancer Institute, Patna and AIIMS Delhi. The surprising thing was that uranium was found in every sample. Its quantity ranged from 0 to 5.25 micrograms/litre. This is the same element which was found in groundwater for a long time. But, it is a matter of concern that now it is directly reaching the newborn babies. Imagine, what would happen if mother’s milk, which is considered to be the safest source of nutrition in a newborn’s life, gets mixed with poison. This slow poison is now entering the children’s body directly through the mother’s lap. In such a situation, the question is whether mother’s milk is also not good for the child’s health? How can uranium reach a mother? What will be the effect of uranium on child’s health? about this StuffUnknown Noida Bhangel CHC is telling Medical Officer and Senior Gynecologist Dr. Meera Pathak-
Now is mother’s milk also not good for the child’s health?
According to doctors, the overall development of children depends on mother’s milk. This helps in keeping them healthy and fit while protecting them from the risk of all types of infections. However, the way harmful uranium has been observed in mother’s milk in the study has definitely increased the fear. But, this does not mean that the mother should not breastfeed her child. Yes, take some necessary precautions for this.
How can uranium reach mother’s milk?
Uranium is a very heavy metal, which is present in soil and water. This element reaches the mother’s body through ground water or through those vegetables which have been irrigated with that water. Let us tell you that, when this element reaches the mother’s body, it accumulates over time in the bones and kidneys and reaches the breasts through the blood flow and can be transferred into the mother’s milk. In such a situation, when the child drinks this milk, it will reach his body.
What will be the effect of uranium on child’s health?
According to doctors, uranium element is harmful for both mother and child. But, its effect may be more visible on the health of the child. Because, uranium gets stored in the child’s body. Since babies’ organs are still developing, they absorb more of these harmful substances, and their low birth weight makes exposure more severe. Additionally, uranium can cause kidney damage and increase neurological problems. Not only this, this harmful element can affect growth and even increase the risk of cancer in future.
…So should a mother not feed milk to her child?
According to experts, mother’s milk is indispensable for the immunity and development of the child and there is no substitute for it. Even if there is a major problem, it should be stopped only on the advice of doctors. Because, even after investigation, it is known how high the level of uranium is inside a mother. If uranium is found in large quantities then formula feed can be given after consulting the doctor. Because, formula feed is made from RO water only. Apart from this, the mother should drink RO or filtered water.
