Certain tattoo inks may contain cancer-causing chemicals
A new study suggests that almost half of tattoo inks may contain cancer-causing chemicals, which are activated when exposed to UV light (sunlight). After sampling 56 types of tattoo inks used in America, researchers from State University of New York (SUNY) found close to half contained azo-compounds – which can become carcinogenic (cancer-causing) when exposed to a lot of sunlight or bacteria.
The research also says many of the inks were found to contain tiny particles, so small they'd be able to penetrate a cell's nucleus, triggering cancerous mutations, and substances that were not labelled (including ethanol in one case, which can thin the blood).
Of the 56 inks observed, 23 were found to contain azo-compounds, and of that 23, they were most likely to be green or blue in colour.
Dr John Swierk, who led the study, discussed the findings with the Daily Mail and said, "We don't necessarily know what the pigments break down into and so that's the real concern. It's possible that you might have pigments that by themselves are safe, but that decompose into something of concern."
He also shared more information about the tiny particles invading cells, saying, "When you get down to that size regime you start to have concerns about nanoparticles penetrating cells, getting into the nucleus of cells, and doing damage and causing problems like cancer that way.
"Big companies manufacture pigments for everything, such as paint and textiles. These same pigments are used in tattoo inks."
This news comes six months or so after the European Union implemented a ban on some specific coloured inks, including Blue 15 and Green 7. Some of the chemicals contained within those specific pigments are believed to be harmful when used on (or under) the skin, although this has been disputed and the ban has not been put in place here in the UK.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK back in January, cosmetic tattooist and college lecturer Liarna Jessica Yearwood, explained, "If you have already have a tattoo or permanent make up, and you are not experiencing any health concerns, then you should be fine.
"If you do have concerns, it would be a good idea to seek advice from a medical practitioner and to check that your tattooist is suitably qualified, insured and using good quality products before you go ahead. Don’t be afraid to ask for this information."
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