OAN’s James Myers
12:07 PM – Wednesday, February 28, 2024
New research has found that tattoo ink may be linked to cancer and organ failure.
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An analysis of 54 types of ink commonly used in tattoo parlors across the United States found that a whopping 45 of them contained no chemicals on the list, including those known to pose alarming health risks. It turned out that it contained additives.
Several inks contain 2-phenoxyethanol, which can cause toxic effects in high doses. Researchers involved in the study found that the most common additive was polyethylene glycol, a compound that can cause acute kidney failure.
The study was led by John Sweek of Binghamton University’s Department of Chemistry and was published in this month’s journal. analytical chemistry.
Sweek said the research conducted was to open people’s eyes to the products used in tattoo parlors.
“We hope that manufacturers see this as an opportunity to re-evaluate their processes, and that artists and clients see this as an opportunity to drive better labeling and manufacturing,” he said.
The study comes a year after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance to tattoo ink manufacturers and distributors to help them recognize if their tattoo ink is contaminated.
Between 2003 and 2023, there were 18 recalls of tattoo ink contaminated with various microorganisms.
However, tattoos are regulated as cosmetics in the United States, so the ingredients do not need to be approved by the FDA before use.
Meanwhile, more than 100 million Americans have at least one tattoo, according to the Pew Research Center.
Future studies will also look at lower concentrations of the substance found in tattoo ink, the researchers said.
“Our goal in much of this research is to empower artists and their clients. Tattoo artists are serious professionals who have dedicated their lives to this craft, and they want the best possible outcome for their clients. ,” Sweek said. “We would like to highlight some deficiencies in manufacturing and labeling.”
The latest study is the first of its kind to examine pigments in ink sold in the United States.
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