Person getting a tattoo.Photo:Stevica Mrdja / EyeEm/ Getty Images
Stevica Mrdja / EyeEm/ Getty Images
Be careful, getting a tattoo could prove to be a health risk.
The study analyzed nine major tattoo ink brands in the United States, and found that out of the 54 inks examined, 45 contained undisclosed additives or pigments known for posing health risks. Notably, among these additives is polyethylene glycol, a medication used for managing constipation, according to theNational Institute of Health. The drug’s potential side effects can include flatulence, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, swollen abdomen, and rectal hemorrhage.
An arm being tattooed.Belyjmishka/Getty Images
Belyjmishka/Getty Images
In addition, researchers discovered another potentially dangerous ingredient in the ink, called2-phenoxyethanol. High doses of the chemical in contact with the skin can lead to skin, lung, and liver irritation, as well as kidney and nerve damage.
“We’re hoping the manufacturers take this as an opportunity to reevaluate their processes, and that artists and clients take this as an opportunity to push for better labeling and manufacturing,” Swierk said in the study.
“The FDA is still figuring out what that is going to look like and we think this study will influence the discussions around MoCRA,” he added.
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Black ink being applied to a tattoo.
According to theMayo Clinic, tattoos can also make skin prone to infections, since they breach the skin’s barrier. Oftentimes, people may have allergic reactions to the tattoo dyes, which can cause rashes. While not common, tattoos can also lead to MRI complications, because the pigments can interrupt the image’s quality.
In August 2023, thePew Research Centerreleased data showing that 32% of adults have a tattoo. Among those, 22% have more than one tattoo on their body.
In the survey, people were also asked to specify the reason behind their decision to get a tattoo. Out of all the participants, 47% said they got a tattoo to make a statement about what they believe, while 32% said they got at least one to improve their appearance.
source: people.com
