Karnataka’s Health Department has raised concerns about the safety of tattoo inks following laboratory tests that detected 22 heavy metals, including selenium, chromium, platinum, and arsenic, in samples from various locations across the state. The findings have prompted the department to urge the Union Health Ministry to implement urgent regulations governing tattooing practices, including licensing requirements for both tattoo artists and studios.
Currently, tattoo inks are not subject to specific regulations under existing cosmetic laws. While the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, defines cosmetics as substances applied to the human body to alter appearance or beauty, tattoo inks are injected into the skin for similar purposes. The Health Department is calling for tattoo inks to be classified as cosmetics and brought under regulatory control to ensure safety standards are in place.
One of the major concerns highlighted by the tests is the lack of established standards for tattoo inks in India. The majority of tattoo inks used in the country are imported, with no regulatory oversight to verify their sterility. The department notes that the presence of colorants in the inks makes contamination testing difficult, and the practice of using a single container of ink on multiple customers further heightens the risk of infections.
Additionally, the department revealed that needles used in tattoo parlors are being tested for sterility, and results are awaited.
The presence of harmful substances in tattoo inks raises serious health concerns. The department’s letter to the Union Health Ministry warned that when tattoo ink is injected into the skin, heavy metals and pigments can enter the bloodstream, potentially accumulating in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, leading to long-term health issues. The letter also cites studies showing that individuals who receive tattoos may experience skin reactions, allergic responses, fever, and pus-filled lesions.
The investigation has also uncovered widespread unhygienic practices in many tattoo studios. The department found that numerous parlors fail to adhere to proper sterilization protocols, which increases the likelihood of bacterial and viral infections. Infections caused by Mycobacterium chelonae have been linked to the use of non-sterile water, and tattoos are also a recognized risk factor for the transmission of diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV when hygiene is not strictly maintained.
In light of these findings, the Health Department has recommended that the Drugs Controller General of India be informed of the test results and that regulations be established to safeguard public health. The department also calls for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to create clear guidelines to regulate tattoo ink quality. To prevent further health risks, the Health Department has urged that tattoo ink sales be suspended until these regulations are implemented and enforced.
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