I was just reading my FDA update e-mail that I get once a week, and the education section caught my eye. It said something about the warm weather coming up, and with more skin being visible, here was an update on tattoos. 1 in 8 adults regret getting a tattoo done. I was surprised at this number, as it seems am always hearing about someone getting a new tattoo. I get asked about ink problems with getting a tattoo if you have PPD allergies. I usually reply that a good tattoo artist will be able to give you the M.S.D.S. information on each ink s/he is going to use, so you can read what is in it. The colors to be watchful of are the oranges and yellows. Read on.
The information in this article completely floored me. The FDA considers tattoo ink to be cosmetic, and NONE of them are approved for injection. NONE of them are approved for CONTACT within skin. Some, are even closer to printers ink, or automobile paint?! With spring coming, you might just want to look a little more carefully into what kind of ink is actually going into your skin before you get one. Not everyone will need to worry...
If you have never had any color allergies, you may not have to worry, there are a lot of people who have had tattoos with no problems. Allergic to diamines, PPD, PTD, AZO's, nitro's, any type of dye at all? You should take heed. You can never be too careful, or read the backs of too many bottles, or too many FDA articles. If you are one of the sufferers, this information might help.
The information in this article completely floored me. The FDA considers tattoo ink to be cosmetic, and NONE of them are approved for injection. NONE of them are approved for CONTACT within skin. Some, are even closer to printers ink, or automobile paint?! With spring coming, you might just want to look a little more carefully into what kind of ink is actually going into your skin before you get one. Not everyone will need to worry...
If you have never had any color allergies, you may not have to worry, there are a lot of people who have had tattoos with no problems. Allergic to diamines, PPD, PTD, AZO's, nitro's, any type of dye at all? You should take heed. You can never be too careful, or read the backs of too many bottles, or too many FDA articles. If you are one of the sufferers, this information might help.
- FDA considers tattoo ink to be a cosmetic. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none are approved for injection into the skin. In fact, many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.
- FDA takes action on ink safety issues. Because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. However, FDA takes action to prevent consumer illness or injury when safety issues arise related to the inks. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by state and local authorities
www.fda.gov
