Chemistry Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-5-2021
Journal
Contact Dermatitis
First Page
1
Last Page
14
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13913
Abstract
Background
Tattoo inks have been reported to elicit allergic contact dermatitis.
Objectives
To investigate the labels and the contents of metals and pigments in tattoo inks, considering restrictions within the European Union.
Methods
Seventy-three tattoo inks currently available on the market, either bought or donated (already used), were investigated for trace metals and pigments by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight tandem mass spectrometry.
Results
Ninety-three percent of the bought tattoo inks violated European, legal requirements on labeling. Fifty percent of the tattoo inks declared at least one pigment ingredient incorrectly. Sixty-one percent of the inks contained pigments of concern, especially red inks. Iron, aluminium, titanium, and copper (most in green/blue inks) were the main metals detected in the inks. The level of metal impurities exceeded current restriction limits in only a few cases. Total chromium (0.35-139 μg/g) and nickel (0.1-41 μg/g) were found in almost all samples. The levels of iron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, and arsenic were found to covary significantly.
Conclusions
To prevent contact allergy and toxic reactions among users it is important for tattoo ink manufacturers to follow the regulations and decrease nickel and chromium impurities.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Citation of this paper:
Wang, X, Josefsson, L, Meschnark, S, et al. Analytical survey of tattoo inks—A chemical and legal perspective with focus on sensitizing substances. Contact Dermatitis. 2021; 1– 14. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13913
