Are you a fan of bold tattoos? Here’s what you should know before getting inked! There was a time when only 1 in 10 people would get a tattoo, but today, that number has significantly increased. However, there are some important health risks associated with tattoos that you need to be aware of. Let’s dive into the details!
Are Tattoo Inks Toxic?
While some prefer classic black, others love their tattoos bold and colorful. But do you know what’s in the inks used to bring your tattoos to life? Recent reports suggest that certain parlors use inks containing chemicals that may be linked to carcinogens, though their connection to cancer remains unclear. There's limited information about the compounds in these inks, as new methods and techniques make it challenging to analyze them fully.
Effects of Tattoo Inks
Linking tattoo inks with cancer might remain out of the question for now. There are chances of allergies, itching, swelling, and other skin severities with the use of improper dyes. Not just these, but an inappropriate mix of dyes can also worsen the situation causing sepsis (bacterial infection in the bloodstream). This can lead to life-threatening consequences as well.
Do Tattoos Cause or Increase the Risk of Cancer?
Getting a tattoo alone is unlikely to cause skin cancer, but certain ingredients in tattoo ink do carry risks. Different ink colors are made with varying pigments and dilutions, and some contain materials that may be carcinogenic. Some tattoo inks, especially red, contain substances called azo pigments, which are also used in car paints. Early research has shown that red azo pigments may increase the risk of liver cancer in rats exposed to them. However, the impact on humans remains uncertain.
Red and black ink are also considered to be at a higher risk. In the year 2016, an Australian government report found that 83 percent of the black ink tested contained a carcinogen called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Pigments may include harmful substances such as,
- Lead
- Mercury
- Minerals
- Nickel
- Cadmium
- Copper
- Alcohols
- Barium
- Plastics
- Vegetable dyes
Are There Other Health Risks Associated with Tattoos?
Yes, several health risks are associated with getting tattoos. Here are some additional health risks to consider.
1. Skin Infections
Skin infections may appear as the result of contamination from unsterile needles or other sharp items used for tattooing. These types of infections can also occur if you don’t properly take care of your tattoo.
Skin infections may include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Open pores
- Fever, etc.
2. Allergic Reactions
Getting a tattoo may cause allergic reactions. Similar to an infection, this type of allergic reaction will also occur. Your risk of developing an allergic reaction may be higher for sensitive skin.
- rash or hives
- blistering
- itchiness
3. Bloodborne Disease
Bloodborne disease will occur if the equipment is not properly sterilized. It may cause diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and even HIV.
4. Psychological Impact
Some have experienced regret and body image issues that are related to their tattoos, thus leading to mental health issues.
Precautionary Measures
Getting inked is never a bad idea, provided you are careful about when, where, and how you get it.
- Choose a well-renowned tattoo parlor with trained tattoo artists.
2. Ensure the needles and other equipment used in tattooing are well sterilized.
3. Have a word with your artist regarding the types of dyes used.
4. Mention prior if you are allergic to needles or any other chemicals.
5. Consult with your doctor regarding your medication, if any, and clarify if tattooing will trigger any adverse reactions or infections.
Also, check out the five things to remember before you get inked!
With the growing trend of people getting permanent art on their bodies, newer tattoo salons keep springing up across the country. But, the question is, do the artists who work in these salons have complete knowledge of what they are handling? Have they been instructed to follow guidelines and health measures? Little do we know about how things are done.
