Tattoo ink may contain toxic cancer-causing chemicals, a new study has found.
State University of New York (SUNY) scientists found that nearly half of the 56-odd samples of tattoo inks they tested contained azo-compounds that, under ultra-violet light — emitted in sunlight — were cancer-causing. turn into chemicals.
Many also contained particles below 100 nanometers (nm) in size, which they said could get into the nucleus of a cell and trigger cancerous mutations.
Researchers say the tattoo industry is largely unregulated in the United States, despite three out of ten Americans having one. Blue and green pigments are now outlawed in Europe over concerns that they may cause cancer.
Someone already getting a tattoo is at risk of bacterial infection because the skin is broken, or contracting a bloodborne illness — such as hepatitis B and C — if the equipment isn’t cleaned properly. Over time, recipients may also develop nodules or granulomas around the tattoo or scar tissue.
Scientists from the State University of New York examined 56 inks used in tattoos. They found that they contain chemicals that can cause cancer (file photo)
Dr John Swierk, the chemist who led the study, warned that tattoos contain chemicals that can cause cancer.
Nearly two out of five Americans already have a tattoo, with the number continuing to rise as body art gains social acceptance.
Researchers say little is known about what exactly is in the ink used, because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) isn’t keeping a close eye on the industry.
SUNY researchers screened several popular tattoo inks and presented their findings Wednesday at the American Chemical Society’s fall meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
A tattoo is made up of two parts. The key piece is the pigment, which can be a molecular compound – such as a blue pigment – or a solid compound – such as titanium dioxide.
They also contain carrier fluids — usually alcohol-based — that position the pigment between the two layers of skin.
In the study, scientists tested 56 inks and found that many contained substances not listed on the label.
In one case, ethanol — which may help thin blood — was seen in tattoo ink. It was not clear whether this posed any health risk.
Some 23 pigments – usually blues and greens – were also found to contain azo-compounds, which can become ‘carcinogenic’ when exposed to too much sunlight or too many bacteria.
The chemist who led the study, Dr. John Swierk, told DailyMail.com: ‘We don’t necessarily know what the pigments break down in and so this is a matter of real concern.
‘It is possible that you may have pigments that are safe on their own, but that photodegrade is a cause for concern.’
For the second part of the study, the scientists also examined the size of the particles in 16 inks used in tattoos.
This showed that half – including the black pigment – contained particles below 100 nm, which were ‘concerned’ because they ‘could get through the cell membrane and potentially cause damage.’
Speaking at a press conference today, Swierk said: ‘When you get down to that size regime, you start worrying about nanoparticles entering cells, entering the nucleus of cells, Do more harm and thus create problems like cancer.
He continued: ‘Big companies make pigments for everything like paints and textiles. These pigments are used in tattoo ink.
Scientists are now aiming to create the first comprehensive database of ingredients in various tattoo inks in the United States.
They have not yet investigated the effect of tattoo removal, which is usually done via laser.
Amid warnings from some scientists, particular concern was expressed over two pigments – blue 15:3 and green 7 – potentially causing cancer in 2020. The European Union – which includes 27 European countries but not the UK – banned their use in tattoos in January.
But some officials, including those in Germany, warned that the ban was ‘too far’, saying more evidence was needed that they were potentially toxic. Tests by German regulators found that both had ‘low levels’ of toxicity.
These dyes are in use in the United States, and there is no indication that the authorities are moving to ban them.
US health officials have warned that getting a tattoo already poses a number of other health risks as the skin is punctured – increasing the risk of bacterial or blood-borne infections.
They also say that in rare cases tattoos can cause problems with MRI scans, making it harder for doctors to diagnose conditions such as cancer.
Tattoo removal can also be a problem, with lasers potentially causing pain, blisters, and crusting.
Swierk said: ‘We have only one concern’ [of cancer risks] About laser tattoo removal, because we don’t understand how the laser is changing the pigment.’
(This story has not been edited by seemayo staff and is published from a rss feed)