In the United States, tattoo inks can contain potentially harmful ingredients such as heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, and may contain carcinogenic compounds or other toxic substances. These ingredients can pose health risks when placed into the skin during the tattooing process and potentially cause complications within the body. Is tattoo ink toxic? This question becomes significant in light of these potential risks.
When Congress passed MoCRA, it allowed the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tattoo inks for the first time, including accurate labeling practices; prior to that, tattoo inks were considered cosmetic in nature and not subject to regulation. As a result, tattoo ink formulations have varied widely, which is why it is essential to research reputable tattoo parlors and ask about the ingredients used in their inks to minimize potential health risks.
Something to note, the EU has banned certain inks and pigments due to the potentially harmful ingredients used in tattoo inks and the United States has yet to follow suit, meaning there are no bans on any inks or ingredients.
