Banned Pigments Detected in EU Tattoo Inks

A recent study by a research team at Binghamton University has discovered that several tattoo inks sold in Europe contain banned pigments, despite being marketed as compliant with the EU’s Reach regulations. This finding signals a need for improved and standardized manufacturing processes within the tattoo ink industry.

The investigation analysed ten green and blue inks from five manufacturers that were advertised as meeting Reach requirements. However, nine of these inks were found to contain unlisted ingredients, with four containing the prohibited Green 7 pigment and two containing Blue 15. The researchers emphasised that current methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, are inadequate for distinguishing among different polymorphs of Blue 15, complicating compliance efforts.

In 2022, the EU banned hazardous substances like Blue 15:3 and Green 7 due to concerns over cancer and genetic mutations. The presence of these banned pigments in tattoo inks not only poses health risks but also highlights discrepancies in labelling and regulatory compliance. Additionally, ingredients not expressly prohibited by Reach, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, were detected, raising further safety concerns.

The research calls for the tattoo ink industry to adopt standardized manufacturing protocols and better compliance measures. As tattoos become increasingly popular, it’s crucial to ensure that the products used are safe and accurately labelled. This study serves as a significant alert to regulators and manufacturers alike, urging them to prioritize consumer safety and product transparency.

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