EU seeks to limit the use of chemicals in tattoo inks

In response to the widespread explosion in the popularity of body art, Brussels is aiming to restrict the range of chemicals used in tattoo inks due to concerns that some of them could cause cancer, alter DNA or harm human reproductive function..

EU restrictions on the composition of tattoo inks

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has reported that tattoo ink may and does contain alertness-causing substances such as identified carcinogens and skin sensitizers. The latest Public Health England guideline states that while there is ample evidence that some substances used in tattoo inks may contain potentially hazardous microorganisms and metals, there are still no general standards for limiting them beyond requiring that the ink used must be sterile and not reactive with the body.

Tattooing involves injecting ink into the second layer of skin, known as the dermis, where it stays permanently and can only be removed with laser technology. As a result, people who get tattoos are exposed to long-term exposure to injectable chemicals, including by-products from their destruction. The most serious problems are allergies caused by chemicals in the ink. A report from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) found a link between red ink and dermatitis due to the high content of mercury sulfide in the product. Red, blue, green, and magenta inks are said to be more likely to cause granulomas on the skin, which are focal overgrowths of connective tissue cells caused by inflammation..

Some of the pigments imported from the United States that are used in tattoo parlors are not specifically manufactured for this purpose. Politico news site reported that some tattoo parlors buy ink from major chemical manufacturers, even though they don’t recommend using it in body art..

In 2013, EU member states supported a resolution urging national governments to tightly control the chemicals used in tattoo parlors..

The process is complicated by the fact that Europe does not have a harmonized procedure for assessing the safety of tattoo inks, although some states have their own national legislation. Thus, the European Chemicals Agency has been tasked with assessing the risks, the associated socio-economic impacts and the need for EU-wide containment. It is expected that the proposals to impose strict restrictions on the use of about 4,000 chemicals will be put to the vote by the EU member states by the middle of next year, and all member states except the UK will have the right to vote on the proposals, as it plans to withdraw from the association in March..

Nevertheless, the law will apply to the UK during a 21 month transition period, as this problem is very relevant here – recent studies have shown that a third of British teens between the ages of 25 and 39 have tattoos..

British politician Gareth Thomas said he expects domestic legislation to take into account the proposed EU rules and set clear standards to end the use of cancer-causing chemicals in tattoo parlors across the country. As tattoo parlors are in increasing demand, British consumers should not rely on the EU to provide protective measures and their own government should provide the necessary protection to their citizens..

Prepared by: sv_stroyeva (Stolyarenko Svetlana Nikolaevna)