Secret dangers of tattoos
Tattoos have become a familiar part of culture today: one in four Australian adults has at least one tattoo on their body. However, attention should be paid not only to the sketch and the size of the image, but also to what is hidden in a drop of paint. The data obtained by Australian researchers showed that the composition of many tattoo pigments does not always correspond to what is stated on the package. The results were published in the Journal of Environmental Health.
A team of experts from Flinders University analyzed several popular shades of yellow and orange. It turned out that the samples contain substances that were not included in the labeling at all. Among them are aluminum, sodium and silicon. This variation between the declared and actual composition makes you think about the health risks.
The problem is compounded by the fact that legislation in this area practically does not regulate the formulas of tattoo inks and permanent makeup. Unlike cosmetics or medicines, pigments do not undergo mandatory safety tests.
In addition, the dyes themselves can change over time. Under the influence of sunlight, aging, or laser removal, they break down, releasing new compounds. Previously, a team from the same university had already identified substances with carcinogenic and even DNA-damaging potential in such processes.
The authors emphasize that their goal is not to intimidate people, but to draw attention to gaps in material quality control around the world and create the basis for safer tattooing and pattern removal practices. It’s not only about beauty, but also about health, which a person risks losing due to banal inattention to the composition of the paint.
Published
September, 2025
Category
Medicine
Duration of reading
1—2 minutes
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