Analytical survey of tattoo inks—A chemical and legal perspective with focus on sensitizing substances

• Published in: Contact dermatitis 2021-09, Vol.85 (3), p.340-353
• Main Authors: Wang, Xuying, Josefsson, Leila, Meschnark, Silvia, Lind, Marie‐Louise, Emmer, Åsa, Goessler, Walter, Hedberg, Yolanda S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergic contact dermatitis; Allergies; Aluminum; Arsenic; Chemistry; Chromium; Cobalt; Coloring Agents - adverse effects; Coloring Agents - analysis; Contact dermatitis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - etiology; Drug Labeling - legislation & jurisprudence; Eczema; Europe; Hazardous substances; Heavy metals; Humans; Impurities; Ink; Ionization; Ions; Iron; Kemi; Manganese; Mass spectrometry; Mass spectroscopy; Metals; Metals - analysis; Nickel; Pigments; Regulation; Scientific imaging; Tattoo inks; Tattooing - adverse effects; Tattooing - legislation & jurisprudence; Tattoos; Titanium; Trace metals
• ISSN: 0105-1873; 1600-0536; 1600-0536
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.13913

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.