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May 3, 2026

A scoping review of uranium and other radioactive heavy metals in breast milk and their impact on early life health.

Key Points

The review aims to synthesize evidence on radioactive heavy metal contamination in breast milk and its health implications for infants.
Conducted a comprehensive scoping literature search across multiple electronic databases in December 2024.
Utilized AI-assisted relevance scoring for prioritizing paper screening, resulting in 30 studies included for synthesis.
Performed data extraction and eligibility decisions by the authors after deduplication of 161 unique papers.
Measurable concentrations of uranium, strontium-90, caesium-137, and radium found in breast milk due to environmental contamination events.
Strontium-90 shows significant maternal-infant transfer, with predictions of dose-dependent accumulation in infant tissues.
Theoretical risk assessments indicate potential impacts on hematopoietic development, bone metabolism, and an increased long-term cancer risk.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radioactive heavy metals, including uranium, strontium-90, caesium-137, radium, thorium, and plutonium, pose potential health risks to nursing infants through breast milk transfer. Understanding the extent of contamination, transfer mechanisms, and health implications is critical for public health policy. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review synthesises evidence on radioactive heavy metal contamination in breast milk, maternal-infant transfer mechanisms, and associated health impacts on early life development. METHODS: A comprehensive scoping literature search was conducted in December 2024 across multiple electronic databases. After deduplication, 161 unique papers remained. An AI-assisted relevance scoring approach (SciSpace biomedical agent) was used to prioritize screening; final eligibility decisions and data extraction were performed by the authors. Thirty studies were included for synthesis. RESULTS: Evidence demonstrates measurable concentrations of strontium-90, caesium-137, uranium, and radium in breast milk following environmental contamination events (Chernobyl, Techa River, nuclear weapons testing) and in regions with naturally elevated radioactivity. Transfer rates vary by radionuclide, with strontium-90 showing significant maternal-infant transfer. Biokinetic models indicate dose-dependent accumulation in infant tissues. Limited direct evidence exists for specific health outcomes, though theoretical risk assessments suggest potential impacts on hematopoietic development, bone metabolism, and long-term cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: While breast milk contamination with radioactive heavy metals is documented in specific contexts, the health benefits of breastfeeding generally outweigh risks except in acute high-exposure scenarios. Gaps remain in understanding long-term neurodevelopmental and growth impacts. Enhanced biomonitoring and longitudinal studies are needed to inform evidence-based public health guidance.

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