About 32% of adults in the United States have at least one tattoo. However, a recent study unveils disparities between the ingredient labels and the actual contents of tattoo inks, prompting concerns regarding transparency and safety.
Hidden Substances in US Tattoo Inks Urges Industry Reevaluation for Transparency and Safety
Chemistry researcher Kelli Moseman and her colleagues from Binghamton University analyzed over 50 tattoo inks from nine brands used in the US. Their analysis was prompted by the discovery of undisclosed substances in inks from previous research.
The new study, titled "What's in My Ink: An Analysis of Commercial Tattoo Ink on the US Market" available in Analytical Chemistry, revealed that 45 out of 54 inks contained substances not listed on the label, including unlisted pigments or additives.
Only one brand accurately listed its ink's ingredients, while others falsely claimed additives like glycerol. Some inks contained propylene glycol, an allergen, and others had potentially harmful substances, such as antibiotics.
It is unclear whether these discrepancies result from accidental contaminations, labeling errors, or intentional but undisclosed additions, requiring further investigation.
Given the extended presence of tattoo inks in the skin, their impact on immune cells, and evidence of pigment leakage into lymph nodes, the findings raise concerns. A 2021 EU study found similar issues in 90% of tattoo inks, including mislabeling, unlisted additives, and excessive metal impurities.
Binghamton University chemist John Swierk, the senior author, hopes this study serves as an impetus for manufacturers to reevaluate their processes. He also encourages artists and clients to leverage this information as an opportunity to advocate for improved labeling and manufacturing standards.
The concern stems from the potential health risks associated with the unidentified substances in tattoo inks, emphasizing the need for transparency and accuracy in product labeling within the tattoo industry.
Allergic Reactions and Regulatory Implications of Unlisted Tattoo Ink Ingredients
Clients encountering issues related to tattoos weeks or even years later face challenges in identifying the cause and addressing reactions due to the absence of listed ingredients. Usually, potential hazards of tattoos focus on skin cancer and pigments, but additives can introduce risks, extending beyond the skin.
Allergic reactions to tattoo inks, particularly red hues, like swelling and itching, may manifest months or years after injection. The absence of ingredient lists on product labels hampers determining the cause of reactions and preventing future occurrences.
The study by Moseman and her team examined both pigments and substances used for pigment suspension, ink viscosity, or surface tension modification. Raman and XRF spectroscopy identified pigments, while NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry revealed carrier solution components.
The researchers focused on detecting substances in the carrier solution at concentrations above 2,000 ppm due to NMR spectroscopy limits, potentially missing lower concentrations. The European Chemicals Agency, enforcing 2022 regulations on tattoo ink chemicals, considers substances down to 2 ppm.
Concerns about labeling issues extend beyond the six inks per manufacturer in the study, warranting broader examination. The recent US FDA regulation of tattoo inks enables recalls, mandates adverse event reporting, and demands yearly ingredient labeling updates.
Though the regulatory framework is recent, finding unlabeled ingredients is expected, providing a baseline for future studies assessing regulation impact and improving safety in the tattoo industry.
RELATED ARTICLE: Carcinogenic Substances Found in Some Tattoo Inks Not Printed on the Label
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