Alert: tattoo ink may contain carcinogenic components
They seem like a way of break with the molds and of rebellion. The tattoos they are presented to the youngest as a method to differentiate themselves from the rest and to carry on their skin something they consider to be part of their being. However, beware of these because, as the European Health Commission, in his report "Safety of tattoos and permanent makeup" some components of his ink can be carcinogenic.
Lack regulation for tattoos ink
Although the ink of the tattoos is injected directly into the skin, there is no regulation within the European Union that regulates its components. This causes that in some cases those responsible for this report have found that some tattooists use products that pose a great risk to those who make these drawings in the dermis.
This is especially serious if one takes into account that currently at least the 12% of the European population has a tattoo. A percentage in which a large part of the young population enters. Among the dyes that are dangerous within the inks in these drawings of the drawings of the dermis are the organic dyes used by the tattooists.
This report reveals that at least 60% of these organic colorants They can reach aromatic amines. These components are very linked to the appearance of some types of cancer such as bladder cancer. These "ingredients" are also used in other industries such as rubber, aluminum and textile producers.
In this study also reveals that in the European tattoo market are present in the inks chemical products very dangerous such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 43%, heavy metals, 9%, and other preservatives, 6%. On the other hand, 11% of these products have analyzed have presented microbiological contamination.
Exposure to the sun: risk of decomposition for the tattoo
From this commission is warned that there is a greater risk when all these substances are exposed to the sun. When exhibited in the light of the sun king, these they decompose and it is easier for them to be absorbed by the skin of the tattoo artist. Experts estimate the number of people with this type of drawing in their dermis who can suffer an infection by 5%.
On the other hand, experts warn that not only can health problems related to infections or cancers occur. The skin can also suffer a lot in this regard. The dermis may have a disorder of pigmentation when these products break down or when going through some type of laser surgery to remove this tattoo.
Those responsible for this report warn that the most risky inks are yellow and green, since on the other hand they are also the most difficult to eliminate from the body. Blue, gray and black are the most recommended if you decide to get a tattoo. In addition this commission ensures that before these results it is convenient to carry out a deeper investigation on the components that end up in the skin of these people.
Henna Tattoos
Not only permanent tattoos pose a risk to the skin. Others like those of henna They can also be problematic for the dermis of those who perform it. Especially those of black color, since in reality these drawings do not carry henna.
Actually henna is not black. Therefore, in reality these tattoos do not carry such components. As they explain from the Spanish Association of PediatricsIn recent years, black henna tattoos are being introduced, which have a more attractive color and set faster, but to make it black add dyes to the henna, and there lies the risk.
One of the typical dyes that are added to the henna to give it that black color is the p-phenylenediamine or PPD, which is forbidden for use on the skin because it can cause severe allergic reactions.
Damián Montero
