Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with surveys estimating that 30% of people aged 18-35 in the United States have at least one tattoo.
However, there are potential health risks associated with the metals and other ingredients commonly found in tattoo inks.
A new study analyzed the levels of aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel and zinc in several tattoo inks and found that some contained high concentrations of potentially toxic metals.
Key Facts:
- Tattoo inks are injected into the skin and can contain metals, organic pigments, stabilizers, and other ingredients. There is a lack of regulation and oversight for tattoo inks.
- The study tested red, black and green tattoo inks from three popular brands purchased in Turkey. They used a validated analytical method to quantify the levels of six metals.
- Copper levels exceeded recommended safety limits in the green inks, with levels from 213 to 2523 mg/kg. Aluminum levels were also notably high.
- Cobalt, nickel and iron were present at lower but still substantial levels that could potentially leach from the skin into the body over time.
- The results varied significantly between colors and brands, indicating a lack of consistency and quality control in the tattoo ink industry.
Source: Chem Res Toxicol. 2023
Potential Toxicity of Metals Found in Tattoo Inks
Tattoo inks contain a range of metal salts and oxides that provide pigment and color.
However, many of these metals are associated with health risks at high doses:
- Copper: Essential mineral but copper toxicity can cause skin and liver damage, nausea and neurological effects. The EPA limit for soluble copper in tattoo ink is 25 mg/kg.
- Aluminum: Neurotoxic metal that accumulates in the body and brain. Chronic exposure linked to neurological diseases.
- Cobalt: Causes skin allergies and irritation. Possibly carcinogenic according to WHO.
- Nickel: Known carcinogen that causes skin reactions. Chronic exposure causes DNA damage.
- Iron Oxide: Reactive form linked to inflammation, oxidative damage, neurological risks.
While these metals are considered safe at low doses, there is concern that accumulative exposure from dissolved tattoo ink could cause adverse effects, especially for large or multiple tattoos.
Lack of Regulation and Oversight for Tattoo Inks
Unlike pharmaceuticals and many cosmetics, there is little regulatory oversight for the tattoo industry in most countries.
The long-term safety of tattoo inks has not been thoroughly studied.
Some health agencies have issued guidelines for heavy metals in tattoo ink, but they remain recommendations rather than enforceable limits.
There are no requirements for the listing of ingredient, testing for contamination or assessment of toxicity and carcinogenicity.
This study and others have found high variability in metal levels between different brands and colors of tattoo inks.
Tattoo artists and customers have little access to quality information on ink ingredients or sourcing.
Some manufacturers label inks as “non-toxic” without proof.
Overall the industry suffers from a lack of transparency, oversight and accountability with regards to the safety and purity of products.
Potential Health Effects & Risks of Tattoo Inks
Once injected under the skin, tattoo inks represent a chronic lifetime exposure.
Pigment particles and impurities can migrate from the skin to the lymph nodes and beyond in the body.
Research indicates tattoo inks and pigments do breakdown and leach out over time.
Potential health risks include:
- Local skin reactions: Chronic skin inflammation, irritation, granulomas, allergic reactions.
- Systemic toxicity: Chronic exposure to toxic metals and organic chemicals that accumulate in organs.
- Cancer risk: Carcinogens like nickel, cobalt and impurities like PAHs may increase risk after decades of internal exposure.
- Neurotoxicity: Metals like aluminum, manganese and others are associated with neurological disease. Tattoo inks represent a source of chronic, low-level exposure.
- MRI risks: Iron oxide reacts with magnets resulting in pain and first-degree burns in some people undergoing MRI scans.
Currently there is limited long-term research on tattoo safety given their popularity is relatively recent.
More studies on toxicity, pharmacokinetics, cancer risk and other endpoints are needed to quantify the health risks, especially for people with large and multiple tattoos.
Recommendations To Improve Tattoo Safety
To reduce possible health risks and promote consumer safety, experts recommend the following measures:
- Implement mandatory ingredient labeling, product registration and reporting of adverse events linked to tattoo inks.
- Enforce limits on allowable levels of heavy metals and other toxic impurities in tattoo inks under consumer safety laws.
- Require manufacturers to conduct toxicity testing and provide certificates of purity.
- Improve industry standards for the production and handling of tattoo inks to reduce contamination.
- Increase research on the long-term safety, pharmacokinetics and health risks associated with tattoos, especially large ones.
- Improve awareness among tattoo artists and customers about safe brands and possible health risks.
- Promote the use of safer natural pigments like carbon black rather than metal salts and synthetic organic pigments.
While moderate tattooing is likely safe for most people, the growing popularity and extent of tattoos warrants more regulatory oversight and scientific study to understand the safety profile and minimize risks.
People considering getting a new tattoo should research brands, ask about inks and consider getting smaller designs on areas that can be covered up if needed.
Being informed and proactive is key to getting tattooed safely.
References
- Study: Are some metals in tattoo inks harmful to health? An analytical approach
- Authors: Sumru Sozer Karadagli et al. (2023)
