A recent clinical study conducted by scientists at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has provided new insights into the journey of tattoo ink components through the human body. This study, published in Archives of Toxicology, marks the first time the metabolism and movement of tattoo agents have been traced within the body.
Dr. Ines Schreiver, head of the study at the Dermatotoxicology Study Center at BfR, emphasized the significance of the findings: “Our study’s results will allow for more precise assessments of health risks associated with tattooing in the future.”
The study builds upon the well-established fact that tattoo pigments, the insoluble solid fraction of ink, are deposited in lymph nodes. However, until now, the behavior of the liquid components of tattoo inks in the body had not been fully explored.
For this study, 24 participants received a tattoo of their choice, applied under controlled conditions by professional tattoo artists at the Charité hospital in Berlin. Each session lasted just under three and a half hours. Blood and urine samples were taken before, during, and after the tattooing process.
Using specialized marker substances, the BfR team traced how the liquid components of tattoo inks are metabolized in the body. The study revealed that metabolites were detected in the blood soon after tattooing began. Interestingly, the research also uncovered that the body’s metabolic response to ink components differs from that of substances absorbed orally, such as through food. One particular marker substance showed a higher conversion rate into other metabolites through the skin, suggesting that skin cells play a key role in this process. Further experiments confirmed that skin enzymes may alter the ink components, potentially leading to different effects compared to substances ingested orally.
The study also monitored the amount of ink used in each session, carefully weighing the ink bottles before and after the procedure. Additionally, all needles, gloves, and cloths used were collected, and the ink residue on these items was measured. The results showed that, on average, only about 20% of the ink used in the tattoo actually remained in the skin. The majority of the ink was excreted as the wounds healed.
The findings from this study provide valuable exposure data on tattoo ink deposition, which will help in more accurately assessing potential health risks associated with the chemicals found in tattoo inks in the future.
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