Toxic Tattoos

In recent years, tattoos, once relegated to bikers and construction workers, have gone mainstream.  Even suburban housewives and business people are adorning themselves with ink.

There have long been concerns about the safety of tattoos, both with the sterility of the shops and the contents of the ink.  Environmental Health News is reporting that the FDA is taking a closer look at the toxicity of tattoo ink after an increase in complaints.

Recent studies have shown that tattoo inks contain carcinogens, phthalates, heavy metals, allergens, and endocrine disruptors.  Little is known about the long-term safety of tattoos as the studies just haven't been done. 

Some of the dangerous ingredients found in tattoo ink include:

benzo(a)pyrene 

dibutyl phthalate 

lead 

cadmium

chromium

nickel

titanium

other heavy metals

soot

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Some of these carcinogens are extremely potent. At least 1 of them is used in lab tests to give tumors to rats.  

According to Environmental Health News, "The FDA has the power to regulate tattoo inks and any added colorings under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. But the agency has never flexed its regulatory power, citing lack of evidence of safety concerns and other public health priorities."

"Because the dyes and inks used in tattoos have not been approved by FDA, we do not know the specific composition of what these inks and dyes may contain," an FDA spokesperson told Environmental Health News. "Therefore, we are unable to evaluate for chronic health concerns, such as cancer."

One thing this article doesn't mention is the effect of compounded chemicals.  If you are getting a small tattoo your exposure may be small (although for some of these ingredients like lead there is no safe level).  However, you can't look at tattoos in a vacuum.  You must also take into consideration your exposure via personal care products, household cleaners, furniture, air pollution, etc.  Any tattoo would contribute to your overall chemical exposure, and that exposure should be considered when determinine whether or not to get a tattoo.

I've heard of all natural and organic tattoo inks and will have a post on them in the future.

For more information, read the whole article from Environmental Health News.

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