#POCKET WATCH TATTOO SKIN#

#POCKET WATCH TATTOO SKIN#

These colors remain in use in the United States, and there is no sign that authorities are moving to ban them.Īmerican health authorities warn that getting a tattoo already poses several other health risks because the skin is pierced - opening up a risk of bacterial or bloodborne infection. Tests by German regulators found both had a 'low level' of toxicity. The European Union - which includes 27 European countries but not the UK - banned their use in tattoos in January.īut some authorities including those in Germany warned the ban was 'too far', saying more evidence was needed that they were potentially toxic. Specific concern was raised over two pigments - blue 15:3 and green 7 - which potentially caused cancer in 2020 amid warnings from some scientists. They have yet to investigate the impact of having a tattoo removed, which is typically done via a laser. The scientists are now aiming to build the first comprehensive database of ingredients in different tattoo inks in the United States. He added: 'Big companies manufacture pigments for everything, such as paint and textiles. These same pigments are used in tattoo inks.' Speaking at a press conference today, Swierk said: '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.' This showed that half - including black pigments - had particles below 100 nm, which were 'concerning' because they could 'get through the cell membrane and potentially cause harm.' 'It's possible that you might have pigments that by themselves are safe, but that photodecompose into something of concern.'įor the second part of the study, the scientists also investigated the size of particles in 16 inks used in tattoos. John Swierk, the chemist who led the study, told : 'We don't necessarily know what the pigments break down into and so that's the real concern. Some 23 pigments - typically blues and greens - were also found to contain azo-compounds, which can become 'carcinogenic' if they are exposed to too much sunlight or lots of bacteria.ĭr. It was unclear whether this posed any health risks. In one case, ethanol - which can help thin blood - was spotted in the tattoo ink. In the study, the scientists tested 56 inks and found several had substances that were not listed on the label.

They also contain carrier fluids - typically alcohol-based - that bring the pigment into position between two layers of skin. The main piece is the pigment, which can be a molecular compound - like blue pigment - or a solid compound - such as titanium dioxide. The SUNY researchers investigated several popular tattoo inks and presented their findings Wednesday at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago, Illinois.Ī tattoo is made up of two parts. Little is known about what is actually in the inks used, researchers say, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not keeping a close eye on the industry. About two in five Americans already have a tattoo, with the numbers continuing to rise as body art gains social acceptance.

Pocket watch tattoo