• April 23, 2024

Although we know that at least 50% of tattoos can be infected by poor hygiene after performing them, there is a question surrounding colored inks: do they cause cancer?

Recently the European Commission issued its report "Safety of tattoos and permanent makeup", where alerts of components in the ink of tattoos, which can release carcinogenic substances.

The ink that is injected into the dermis for tattoos, is not regulated by any legislation, so some inks may contain certain aromatic hydrocarbons such as:

• Aromatic amines (14%)
• Heavy metals (9%)
• Conservatives (6%)
• Microbiological contaminants (11%)

Risk of bladder cancer

More than 80% of the colorants in tattoo inks are organic, other inks on the market also use azo pigments.

It is thought that aromatic amines are related to some types of cancer, especially bladder cancer.

These components degrade with exposure to the sun, ultraviolet rays (UV) or laser. Therefore, at least 5% of the population that is tattooed may suffer from bacterial infection, chronic allergies or hypersensitivity to the skin.

Although several reactions may be immediate, others take years to manifest. That's why you have to be vigilant if there are changes in the skin where you put a tattoo.