Blog / Beverages

27 Aug 2018

Are tattoos a health risk?

Tattoos have been gaining popularity over the last few decades and are now seen as fashionable and a form of self-expression. However, how many people actually think about what they are injecting into their skin through tattoo ink? 

There have not yet been any long-term studies on the safety of injecting tattoo inks into the body, so it is difficult to know what the long-term health effects may be.  However, ingredients in food, beverages, medication, supplements and cosmetic products are typically tested and regulated to be safe for humans, but tattoo ink is not regulated and makers are not required to disclose the ingredients in their products.

Studies have shown that tattoo ink may be a source of carcinogens and toxic heavy metals. They can be made up of a variety of metallic salts like titanium dioxide, lead, chromium, nickel, iron oxides, dyes, plastics and other compounds which allow the ink to have an even application. Nanoparticles, particles that are ultramicroscopic in size, are unavoidable in tattoo inks as they help the ink to easily penetrate the skin.

Researchers have found that nanoparticles from tattoo ink can migrate to blood vessels and lymph nodes, which suggests that the ink particles are travelling from the skin to other areas of the body and may even enter organs and other tissues.

In addition to the potential risks associated with tattoos, more people are turning to tattoo removal which carries an extra risk. This is because removing a tattoo involves the use of laser or ultraviolet light which causes the breakdown of ink and this may lead to chemicals being dispersed in the body.

You may not be able to control the ingredients that are injected into your skin when you get a tattoo, but you can make sure that the tattoo parlour you choose is reputable and meets health and safety standards. Always make sure the tattoo artist uses sterile disposable gloves and needles with each new client.


Source

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/are-tattoos-safe-the-truth-about-tattoo-inks.html