Around 12% of Europeans have a tattoo; a permanent form of body art or make-up accomplished by injecting ink under the second layer of skin, just below the epidermis. A tattoo could commemorate a loved one, cover a scar, mark a key life event or simply add definition through permanent make-up.
When you choose to have a tattoo, you are generally advised to make sure that the artist is qualified, registered, skilled, hygienic and reputable. All good advice considering that a tattoo is for life, but what else should you consider?
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposes to restrict hazardous substances used in tattooing inks and permanent make-up. Their aim is to restrict chemicals which could cause cancer, affect fertility and development and those which may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
Many would assume that the inks used in tattooing had been rigorously assessed for
safety but ECHA feel that there is a lack of information regarding the safety of the substances found in tattoo and permanent make-up inks. There are no specific regulations in Europe which cover these inks but seven member states have their own laws. If no specific law exists then the General Product Safety Directive applies. Because of the small quantities, it may be the case that CLP and REACH do not apply, and this has resulted in a distinct lack of safety data being available.
Does the ink in your tattoo comply with CLP, REACH and the Biocidal Product Regulation (if there is a preservative, for example)?
If you are getting a tattoo, or permanent make-up, have a chat with your artist before
you get the work done.
Discuss what inks they intend to use and ask them if they are compliant with REACH and have complied with CLP. Did the ink come with a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? Are the ingredients listed? Search the rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products, there are several inks on there with dangerously high levels of heavy metals, carcinogenic chemicals and sensitisers; inks you probably wouldn’t want to get under your skin forever.
If you’re an artist, make sure your inks comply with current regulations and make sure you are ready for ECHA’s final decision. Look at your supply chain, the level of trust you have with suppliers and the documentation you get with each batch.
If you’re in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway or Lichtenstein, you can check the ink against current legislation. Otherwise, you can check the ingredients against the draft proposal here: https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/2f5b2f8c-430e-34db-2966-2f2d3e6c0bd6.
Make an informed decision before you get inked, a cheap tattoo using cheap inks may be less of a bargain if the ink isn’t safe to use.
If you do have a reaction or any symptoms which seem out of the ordinary, contact your local healthcare provider.