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Dear EarthTalk: I’m interested in getting a new tattoo, but recently found out that red tattoo ink contains mercury. Is this true of other tattoo inks as well? Are there any ecofriendly alternatives?—John P., Racine, Wash.
It is true that some red inks used for permanent tattoos contain mercury, while other reds may contain different heavy metals like cadmium or iron oxide. These metals—which give the tattoo its “permanence” in skin—have been known to cause allergic reactions, eczema and scarring and can also cause sensitivity to mercury from other sources like dental fillings or consuming some fish. While red causes the most problems, most other colors of standard tattoo ink are also derived from heavy metals (including lead, antimony, beryllium, chromium, cobalt nickel and arsenic) and can cause skin reactions in some people.
Helen Suh MacIntosh, a professor in environmental health at Harvard University and a columnist for the website, Treehugger, reports that as a result of a 2007 lawsuit brought by the American Environmental Safety Institute (AESI), two of the leading tattoo ink manufacturers must now place warning labels on their product containers, catalogs and websites explaining that “inks contain many heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and others” and that the ingredients have been linked to cancer and birth defects.
Of course, exposure to mercury and other heavy metals is hardly the only risk involved with getting a tattoo. The term tattoo itself means to puncture the skin. Tattoo ink is placed via needles into the dermis layer of the skin, where it remains permanently (although some colors will fade over time). Some people have reported sensitivity springing up even years after they first got their tattoo; also, medical MRIs can cause tattoos to burn or sting as the heavy metals in the ink are affected by the test’s magnetism.
Beyond the long term risks of walking around with heavy metals injected into your body’s largest organ (the skin), getting a tattoo in and of itself can be risky business. If the tattoo parlor’s needles and equipment aren’t properly sterilized in an autoclave between customers, you could be exposing yourself to hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis, mycobacterium, syphilis, malaria, HIV or even leprosy.
“The potential risk of infectious spread from tattooing (particularly due to Hepatitis B) is high enough that it is a practice that should be avoided by pregnant women to safeguard the health of the baby [and that of the pregnant woman herself] whose immune system is down regulated and is much more vulnerable to these types of infection,” reports dermatologist Audrey Kunin, who runs the popular Dermadoctor website. Dr. Kunin advises to be careful about choosing a tattoo parlor: “Make sure the place is reputable, perhaps check with the health department to see if there have been past claims against the parlor in question if you still have doubts.” She adds that since tattoos are essentially open wounds, they must be cared for properly, especially in the first few weeks, to stave off infection.
Those who want go ahead with getting a tattoo anyway despite the risks should consider steering clear of colors derived from heavy metals. Dr. Kunin reports that black might be the safest permanent tattoo ink; it is often derived from a substance called carbon black and rarely causes any kind of sensitivity issues. If your heart is set on red in your tattoo, ask around to see if any tattoo parlors in your area are willing to work with non-metallic organic pigments that lend a red color such as carmine, scarlet lake, sandalwood or brazilwood. There are non-metallic alternatives available for many other popular tattoo ink shades, too.
CONTACTS: Treehugger, www.treehugger.com; Dermadoctor, www.dermadoctor.com.
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FAQs
An example of a tattoo ink risk is that some reds contain mercury. Some reds can also contain other sources of color, such as iron oxide. While red causes the most problems, most other colors of standard tattoo ink are also derived from heavy metals. Tattoo inks are under the governance of the USFDA.
Are there tattoo inks without heavy metals? ›
Organic tattoo ink refers to ink that is made from natural mineral or plant-based ingredients, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and additives. Unlike traditional tattoo inks that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, organic tattoo ink offers a safer and healthier option for both tattoo artists and clients.
What is the safest tattoo pigment? ›
As you may know, Intenze tattoo ink ingredients are all vegan, making this marque one of the safest manufacturers on the market. The main components in the ingredient list include glycerin and isopropyl alcohol, safe enough to use with no skin worry.
What are the pigments of tattoo inks actually made for? ›
Many tattoo inks contain pigments originally manufactured for industrial purposes, such as dyeing textiles, automotive paint, or for printer's ink. Many professional inks mostly contain organic colorants, such as azo dyes and pigments.
What are the toxic ingredients in tattoo ink? ›
Tattoo inks may also contain potentially harmful metal impurities such as chromium, nickel, copper, and cobalt. Tattoo pigments themselves can be health hazards. “If the ink is really bright in color, it usually contains dangerous stuff,” tattoo artist Bergström said.
Does all tattoo ink contain mercury? ›
An example of a tattoo ink risk is that some reds contain mercury. Some reds can also contain other sources of color, such as iron oxide. While red causes the most problems, most other colors of standard tattoo ink are also derived from heavy metals.
Does tattoo ink get into your bloodstream? ›
Inks applied under the skin can migrate through the body by blood flow. Various diseases, deformations, organ failures, and adverse effects have been reported in humans due to metal toxicity.
What tattoo inks to avoid? ›
Some metals that cause allergic reactions are mercury sulfide (in red ink), chromium and chromic oxide (in green ink), cobalt albuminate (in blue ink), and cadmium (in yellow ink).
What color tattoo to avoid? ›
Red ink is still the most likely color to cause skin problems. Why? Red tattoo inks are the most likely to cause health complications, including rashes and pseudolymphomas, both symptoms of an allergic reaction.
What is the difference between tattoo ink and tattoo pigment? ›
Cosmetic tattoo pigments are made up of smaller pigment particles that are suspended in a diluter – this allows for a more natural, softer colour in the skin that can be layered to create a much more realistic finish. Traditional tattoo inks are much more concentrated which means that they are much stronger in colour.
Tattoo ink can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can happen even years after getting a tattoo. Red ink tends to be more prone to allergic reactions that other tattoo ink colors. Skin infections.
Is tattoo ink bad for your liver? ›
Carbon black and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a soot-like product and a known pollutant, are often the main ingredients in black ink. Exposure to these metals and chemicals can place an extreme burden on the liver and the other organs of elimination.
Do tattoos expose you to heavy metals? ›
Tattoo ink and other makeup cosmetics also contain potentially toxic heavy metals. Heavy metals may build in the body after prolonged exposure.
What ink is not toxic? ›
Caligo Safe Wash Relief Inks Set with 5 colours and 1 extender in 75 ml tubes. Vegetable oil-based inks that can be cleaned easily and safely with soap and water. Traditional gravure ink based on high-quality pigments formulated with linseed oil.
What is the safest tattoo ink for allergies? ›
Dynamic ink is hypoallergenic and is manufactured using only non-toxic ingredients and is vegan and cruelty free. Dynamic is also known as a relatively cheap option while still using only the safest ingredients.
Can I have an MRI if I have tattoos? ›
Thanks to modern technology and knowledge, most patients have a simple and painless MRI procedure. However, in rare cases, a patient with tattoos may experience discomfort. If you have tattoos and need an MRI, you can still get the scan in most situations.
