Study Reveals Potential Health Risks Associated with Tattoos

A recent study found that of 54 brands of tattoo ink in the US, 45 tested contained undisclosed additives or pigments known to pose health risks

Be careful, tattooing could be a health risk.

A recent study conducted by John Swierk of the Department of Chemistry at Binghamton University, published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, reveals troubling findings about the potential health risks associated with tattooing.

The study analyzed nine major brands of tattoo ink in the United States and found that of the 54 inks tested, 45 contained undisclosed additives or pigments known to pose health risks. Notably among these additives is polyethylene glycol, a drug used to treat constipation, according to the National Institutes of Health. Potential side effects of the drug may include bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, swollen abdomen, and rectal bleeding.

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The arm being tattooed.

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In addition, the researchers discovered another potentially dangerous ingredient in the ink, called 2-phenoxyethanol. High doses of the chemical in contact with the skin can lead to irritation of the skin, lungs and liver, as well as damage to the kidneys and nerves.

“We hope that manufacturers will see this as an opportunity to re-evaluate their processes, and that artists and clients will see this as an opportunity to encourage better labeling and production,” Swierk said in the study.

“The FDA is still figuring out what that will look like, and we think this study will influence the discussions around MoCRA,” he added.

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Black ink that is applied to the tattoo.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tattoos can also make the skin prone to infection, since they break through the skin’s barrier. People can often have allergic reactions to tattoo inks, which can cause rashes. Although not common, tattoos can also lead to MRI complications because pigments can interfere with image quality.

In August 2023, the Pew Research Center released data showing that 32% of adults have a tattoo. Among them, 22% have more than one tattoo on their body.

In the survey, people were also asked to state the reason for their decision to get a tattoo. Of all participants, 47% said they got a tattoo to express themselves, while 32% said they got at least one tattoo to enhance their appearance.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education