A disturbing new study has uncovered that the majority of tattoo inks in the United States contain unlisted chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer and organ damage.
Researchers analyzed 54 commonly used tattoo inks from various parlors across the country and found that 45 of them contained hidden additives and pigments. Among the most concerning was polyethylene glycol, a substance that can cause acute renal failure. Another widely used chemical, 2-phenoxyethanol, can lead to toxic effects, including lung and liver irritation, as well as kidney and nerve damage.
The study, conducted by Jonn Swierk from the Department of Chemistry at Binghamton University, was published in Analytical Chemistry this month. Swierk emphasized that the goal of the research is not to cause panic, but to encourage greater transparency in the tattoo ink industry.
“We hope this study serves as a wake-up call for manufacturers to reassess their processes and for both tattoo artists and clients to demand better labeling and safer ingredients,” Swierk said.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance to tattoo ink manufacturers regarding contamination risks, tattoos are regulated as cosmetic products in the U.S., meaning that many ingredients do not undergo FDA approval before use. Between 2003 and 2023, there were 18 recalls of tattoo inks due to contamination with harmful microorganisms, some of which pose a serious infection risk.
In contrast, the European Union has taken more stringent action, banning two commonly used green and blue inks in 2022 after they were found to contain hazardous chemicals.
More than 100 million Americans have at least one tattoo, with nearly half of adults aged 30 to 49 reporting being inked, according to the Pew Research Center.
Tattoo inks typically consist of two components: pigments and a carrier solution. The pigments can be either molecular compounds, like blue pigment, or solid compounds, such as titanium dioxide. The carrier solution transports the pigment to the middle layer of the skin, where the ink remains.
This study marks the first comprehensive look at tattoo ink pigments in the U.S. and highlights the potential health risks associated with their use. Researchers are calling for more regulation and transparency to ensure the safety of consumers who choose to get inked.
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