New research suggests that tattoo ink may contain carcinogenic substances.
Scientists at the State University of New York (SUNY) discovered that over half of a sample of 56 tattoo inks included azo compounds, which degrade into cancer-causing chemicals when exposed to ultraviolet light (emitted by sunshine).
Many also contained particles smaller than 100 nanometers (nm), which they suggested may enter the nucleus of a cell and cause malignant changes.
According to academics, the tattoo industry in the United States is mainly unregulated, even though up to one-third of Americans have a tattoo. Blue and green pigments have been banned in Europe due to fears that they may cause cancer.
A person receiving a tattoo is already at risk of catching a bacterial infection or a bloodborne disease, such as hepatitis B and C, if the equipment is not adequately cleaned. Around the tattoo or scar tissue, recipients may develop nodules or granulomas over time.
As body art obtains social acceptance, the percentage of Americans having tattoos is expected to continue to climb.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not closely monitor the business, thus little is known about the real composition of inks, according to researchers.
The SUNY researchers examined six common tattoo inks and presented their findings at the American Chemical Society’s fall meeting in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday.
A tattoo consists of two components. The primary component is the pigment, which can be a molecular or solid chemical, such as blue pigment or titanium dioxide.
They also contain carrier fluids, often alcohol-based, that transport the pigment between the skin’s layers.
In the investigation, experts examined 56 inks and discovered that several included chemicals not stated on the label.
In one instance, blood-thinning ethanol was discovered in the tattoo ink. It was unknown if this caused any health dangers.
Twenty-three colors, generally blues and greens, were found to include azo compounds, which can become ‘carcinogenic’ when exposed to excessive sunshine or large amounts of bacteria.
Dr. John Swierk, the study’s chemist leader, told: “We do not necessarily know what the pigments decompose into, therefore this is the main cause for concern.”
You may have pigments that are safe on their own, but that photodecompose into something hazardous.
In the second portion of the investigation, the scientists evaluated the particle size of sixteen tattoo inks.
This demonstrated that fifty percent of samples, including black pigments, included particles smaller than 100 nm, which were ‘concerning’ because they may ‘get past the cell membrane and potentially cause damage.’
Today at a news conference, Swierk stated, ‘When you get down to that size regime, you start to worry about nanoparticles penetrating cells, entering the nucleus of cells, and causing harm and diseases such as cancer.’
He continued, “Large corporations produce pigments for everything, including paint and fabrics.” These pigments are also utilized in tattoo inks.
The scientists’ current objective is to compile the first comprehensive database of tattoo ink chemicals in the United States.
They have not yet investigated the effects of tattoo removal, which is normally performed with a laser.
Some scientists have warned that two pigments, blue 15:3 and green 7, may cause cancer by the year 2020. These pigments are blue 15:3 and green 7. In January, the European Union, which encompasses 27 European countries but not the United Kingdom, banned their usage of tattoos.
However, some authorities, notably those in Germany, cautioned that the prohibition was ‘too far,’ citing the need for additional evidence that they are possibly hazardous. German officials found that both substances had a “low level” of toxicity.
These colors continue to be used in the United States, and there are no indications that the government will move to outlaw them.
As a result of the piercing of the skin, American health authorities warn that getting a tattoo offers numerous additional health concerns, including the possibility of contracting a bacterial or blood-borne infection.
In rare instances, the tattoo may also interfere with an MRI scan, making it more difficult for doctors to spot diseases such as cancer.
There may also be complications associated with tattoo removal, as the lasers may cause discomfort, blistering, and crusting.
Swierck continued, ‘Since we do not understand how the laser is altering the pigments, we have the same concerns [about cancer risks] for laser tattoo removal.’
