For most people nowadays, getting inked is an acceptable, relatively mainstream activity. According to a Harris poll, roughly one in four to five American adults can now boast of having at least one tattoo.
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. For instance, they were used to identify peasants and slaves in ancient Egypt. In the warlike tribes of Samoa and other Pacific Islands, extensive tattooing was proudly exhibited as a display of courage, endurance, and dedication to cultural traditions. In Japan, tattooing for spiritual and decorative purposes is believed to date as far back as 10,000 BC. In modern-day Japan, tattoos have long been associated with the yakuza, Japan’s notorious criminal underworld.
With the immense popularity of tattoos, perhaps now is a good time to consider the possible health effects tattoos have on your body, along with being a decorative form of self-expression.
Do Tattoos Have An Effect on Health?
Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored inks below the skin’s surface. While the actual practice of tattooing is regulated by state and local authorities, tattoo inks are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives.
However, because of a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, the FDA has traditionally refrained from regulating tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. It is only relatively recently in response to reports of adverse reactions associated with tattoo and other permanent make-up inks that the FDA has been moved to belatedly examine the issue of tattoo ink safety.
Health risks associated with tattooing include infections, allergies, scarring, granulomas (small knots or bumps that can form around particles of tattoo pigment), and MRI complications such as swelling or burning when people with tattoos undergo an MRI.
The FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) has begun to investigate tattoo inks to identify their chemical composition and how they break down in the body. Additionally, they’re also looking at the short-term and long-term safety of tattoo inks and how the body responds to light interacting with the inks.
For instance, research has shown that some pigment migrates from the tattoo site to the body’s lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic system – a collection of fluid-carrying vessels that drains into the blood and whose job it is to filter out disease-causing organisms. Whether the presence of tattoo ink in the lymphatic system has adverse health consequences or not is still unknown.
Tattoos and Skin Health
According to a 2015 study, roughly 10% of people who get tattoos develop infections, itching, and other adverse reactions on their skin, which can sometimes last more than four months.
Researchers at New York University asked 300 people in Central Park whether they had a tattoo – and if so, whether they had experienced any adverse skin reactions after getting inked. Of those surveyed, 31 said they had developed abnormal reactions, including pain, itching, and skin infections. It’s not clear if these numbers are representative of the entire inked population.
In 4 out of the 10% who reported adverse reactions, the health complaints disappeared in less than four months. Unfortunately, some of these people needed treatment. The remaining 6% had itching, scaly skin, and swelling around the tattoo site that lasted for more than four months.
The study researchers suspected that allergic reactions to the dyes used in tattoo parlors – especially red-colored dyes – may be responsible for these chronic, long-lasting reactions. Other small studies have also reported skin problems associated with red dyes.
According to the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., tattoo ink can cause allergic reactions and skin infections – not to mention dangerous blood-borne diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Some of these potential health problems can easily be avoided by cleaning the tattoo site thoroughly to reduce infection risk. Also, tattooing as a practice is a lot safer now that tattoo parlors are regularly monitored to ensure that they use safe practices and equipment such as single-use needles.
However, one potentially serious health hazard remains…
There are no federal regulations on tattoo ink. And as we have already seen, the FDA has only recently begun to investigate the health consequences of tattoo inks for our body.
As you read on, you’ll realize that the composition of dyes used for tattooing is an important issue that needs to be properly understood and carefully assessed − especially with regards to cancer risk.
Benzo(a)pyrene and Other Cancer-Inducing Components in Tattoo Ink
Health concerns about the presence of toxic chemicals in tattoos first emerged in 2011 when studies showed that benzo(a)pyrene, a chemical used in black tattoo ink, could induce skin cancer in test animals.
In fact, benzo(a)pyrene – found originally in coal tar – is listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Further, a study carried out at Copenhagen University Hospital found cancer-causing chemicals in 13 out of 21 commonly used European tattoo inks. The Danish researcher leading this study went on record to say that the millions of Europeans being tattooed using chemical substances of unknown origin should be given detailed information about the inks being used on them, along with the effects on their health.
The Tattoo Ink Manufacturers of Europe (TIME) states that up to 5% of tattoo studios use inks containing carcinogenic aromatic amines. They strongly advocate reducing the presence of these carcinogenic components in tattoo inks to zero.
Nanoparticles Found in Tattoo Ink
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2011 was the first to reveal the presence of so-called “nanoparticles” in tattoo inks. Using sophisticated methods such as laser diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, this study showed that black pigments contain the smallest particles, while white pigments had the largest particles, and colored pigments had intermediate-sized particles.
Notably, the vast majority of tested tattoo inks contained significant amounts of nanoparticles except for the white pigments. In fact, the black pigments were almost pure nanoparticles – which are defined as particles with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers.
A nanometer is an unimaginably small unit of spatial measurement, equal to one billionth of a meter. It is a term commonly used in nanotechnology, which is the science behind the building of extremely small machines.
Most black tattoo inks are made up of soot products such as carbon black and may also contain small amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are considered pollutants due to their potential for causing adverse health effects and have been strongly linked to skin, lung, bladder, liver, and stomach cancers in various studies using animal models.
Cancer and the Role of Nanoparticles
According to a 2013 study carried out at Bradford University in the U.K., tattoos can increase the risk of cancer.
Bradford University scientists found that tattoo inks contained cancer-causing chemicals that damaged collagen, which is a major protein that forms roughly 30% of the protein content of the human body. In fact collagen is the foundation of so-called “connective tissue” that holds us together. Collagen also contributes to the skin’s elasticity and youthfulness.
This study showed that nanoparticles from tattoo dyes migrated, or moved away from the skin, to enter the blood and eventually build up in the spleen and kidneys. (We’ll talk about what exactly nanoparticles are and what they can mean for your health a little further on). Both the spleen and kidneys are fragile organs, sensitive to injury and crucial for cleansing the body by getting rid of impurities.
According to one of the head researchers from Bradford University’s Centre for Skin Sciences, where this study was carried out:
“…There is no question that these substances can be toxic. It takes a long time for the multiple-step nature of cancer to show its face. I don’t think we should wait 20 years to see if there is anything wrong with these ingredients.”
The Potential Dangers of Nanoparticles
There’s no two ways about it – nanoparticles represent an incredible advance in technology. For instance, nanotechnology reduces the size of vitamins down to microscopic nano-droplets that are much easier for your body to absorb, potentially providing greater health benefits.
On the other hand, is it possible that by reducing a particle’s size it becomes capable of evading the body’s natural defenses more easily?
Could nanoparticles enter pores in the skin faster – and bypass our immune and detoxification mechanisms that have evolved millions of years before the nanotechnology came into existence?
Concerns such as these are why some health experts caution that great care needs to be taken as to what particles are being produced on the nano-scale. It may be that by artificially designing substances to be significantly smaller in size than would occur naturally, they may become more toxic to the body than they would otherwise be.
Carbon Black in Tattoo Ink is Potentially Carcinogenic
Carbon black is a particulate form of elemental carbon that is mainly used in rubber products, mainly tires. It is also used as a pigment in inks (including black tattoo inks), paints, and coatings, as well as in plastics. Exposure to carbon black particles occurs mainly in the form of aggregates during its manufacturing process.
Workers who produced carbon black in Germany and the U.K. had an excess risk of lung cancer, although no clear relationship between exposure to carbon black and lung cancer was found. However, another study of workers in the rubber industry in Germany exposed to carbon black showed no significant excess risk of lung cancer.
Carbon black and its extracts have also been tested in laboratory animals. These tests provided sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of carbon black and carbon black extracts. Based on these data, the working group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified carbon black as possibly carcinogenic to human beings.
Based on these worrying findings, The Friends of the Earth – a global network of grassroots groups – is now calling for proper regulation of tattoo inks.
Black Tattoo Inks Induce Harmful “Reactive Oxygen Species”
A 2013 study examined the effects of a total of nine brands of tattoo inks of six colors each (black, red, yellow, blue, green, and white), along with two additional black inks of different brands, on formation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS).
ROS is the name for chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen. Biologically speaking, ROS are formed naturally and play an important role in the normal functioning of the body’s cells.
However, ROS generated by exposure to UV rays, radiation, and toxins like carbon black in black tattoo inks can potentially severely damage structures inside cells, leading to observable clinical symptoms including damage to the skin.
Interestingly, the study researchers found that two black inks produced the highest amounts of ROS. Not only that, the same two inks aggregated much more strongly in water relative to the other inks.
Further, ten of the11 black inks had levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exceeding the European Council’s recommended level – and all 11 exceeded the recommended level for benzo(a)pyrene – which as we saw earlier, has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Some scientists also believe that PAHs may stay in the skin, absorb UV radiation from the sun and generate so-called “singlet oxygen” inside the dermis of the skin, damaging skin integrity.
Singlet oxygen is a high energy form of oxygen that is highly reactive – and possibly damaging – to organic matter, including the skin and other cells in the body.
Is Getting a Tattoo Worth the Risk?
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Given that it’s an acceptable form of self-expression today, it’s important to carefully consider the possible health effects tattoo ink can have on your body.
Unfortunately, there are many health risks associated with tattooing. Specifically, the composition of tattoo dyes needs to be carefully examined with regards to cancer risk.
Studies have shown that benzo(a)pyrene, a chemical in black tattoo ink, can induce skin cancer in test animals, while other cancer-causing chemicals have also been identified in many other tattoo inks. For instance, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified carbon black – a major component of black tattoo ink – as possibly carcinogenic to human beings.
Additionally, black inks appear to be capable of producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can potentially damage skin cells.
It’s worth remembering that the vast majority of tested tattoo inks contain nanoparticles, which may be capable of evading the body’s natural defenses more easily. In fact, black tattoo pigments are almost pure nanoparticles, which have been shown to migrate away from the skin, damage collagen, and accumulate in the spleen and kidneys, with possibly harmful effects for health.
Please help bring more awareness about the link between tattoo ink and cancer by sharing this article with your friends and family below.
Article Summary
With the immense popularity of tattooing, it’s time to consider the possible health effects tattoos have on your body − especially any increased risks for cancer.
Known health risks associated with tattooing include infections, allergies, scarring, granulomas (small knots or bumps that can form around particles of tattoo pigment), and MRI complications such as swelling or burning when people with tattoos undergo an MRI.
There are no federal regulations on tattoo ink. Recently the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) has begun to investigate the chemical composition of tattoo inks and how they break down in the body. They’re also looking at the short and long-term safety of tattoo inks and how the body responds to light interacting with the inks.
Studies have shown that benzo(a)pyrene, a chemical in black tattoo ink, can induce skin cancer in test animals, while other cancer-causing chemicals have also been identified in many other tattoo inks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified carbon black – a major component of black tattoo ink – as possibly carcinogenic to human beings.
According to a 2013 study carried out at Bradford University in the U.K., tattoos can increase the risk of cancer. Scientists found that tattoo inks contained cancer-causing chemicals that damaged collagen.
The vast majority of tested tattoo inks contain nanoparticles, which may be capable of evading the body’s natural defenses more easily. In fact, black tattoo pigments are almost pure nanoparticles, which have been shown to migrate away from the skin, damage collagen, and accumulate in the spleen and kidneys, with possibly harmful effects for health.
So what should someone do if they already have tattoos? Are there ways to mitigate the risks once you already have them?
I agree with you Amanda . What are you suppose to do once you have them. Many people have tattoos an may not have been in to the natural approach at that time. So now what.
Yeahh Id really like to know too. If someone finds out before I do, please reply!
I do not use tattoos and I will never use them, because I find that they are very dangerous. I have heard that people also developed AIDS, because of tattoos, since sometimes the needles are not always clean.
I’ve know someone who got cellulitis from getting a tattoo and almost lost her arm!
Not only aids but many many viruses like Hepatitis C!
If you get a tattoo ask the artist if the ink comes from china, if it does it is lead based. Educate yourself on ink before you go get a tattoo
What about the health risks of having permanent makeup applied on the upper and lower eyelids and eyebrows?
I am in the process of having a tattoo removed. I am having it done through a clinic that uses a substance called Tepersol (spelling?). Tepersol is unique in that it draws the ink out of the body, whereas laser treatments drive the ink into the body, and then your body has to detoxify the ink and eliminate it. So far the process with the Tepersol has worked well for me and I like that it is drawing the ink OUT instead of driving the ink in. I encourage people NOT to get tattooed.
Tattoos are one of the ugliest, offensive things a person can do to themselves. It’s nice to know there are also valid health reasons to avoid them.
I’m glad I haven’t got a tattoo, it clearly isn’t natural to inject ink into our bodies. Maybe it’s another way the global elite are trying to cull the population – by making it popular in mainstream media to poison ourselves
I wonder if they themselves have got any tattoos?
It is written in the Holy Scriptures : You shall not mark your skin, but of course most will ignore what is TRUTH !!! They will just have to suffer the consequences !!!
where in scripture is this?
That’s in Leviticus 19:28 .we are not under that law anymore because Christ sacrifice nailed that to the torture stake. We are under the law of the Christ . At Romans 12:1 it says we should present our bodies as a holy sacrifice. If a Christian was to get their body all tattooed up are we presenting our bodies as a holy sacrifice?
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matthew 5:17
You need to learn how to rightly divide the scripture. 2 Tim 2:15
Hi Jose, Thank you for the feedback.
Yes, that’s true. However, a lot of verses in Leviticus concerning health was given as instructions to protect our health. We are only finding out scientifically how they protect our health now.
I just cannot understand why people get a tattoo injected onto their bodies? I believe its a attention seeking thing from other people.
I remember sometime ago now talking on a Radio NZ talk-back show, quite a few of the radio listeners phoned in after my call upset that I had said, one getting a tattoo was really one trying to seek attention from people because they lacked getting attention from their parents and friends.
I have had one tattoo I got in the 80’s removed with laser. It took 5 treatments but is gone. Supposedly the laser breaks up the ink into small particles that your macrophages can come and eat up. Is it worse to get rid of the ink once it’s in your skin, or leave it?
Tattoos are simply body mutilations ,why anyone would get one is inconceivable .
Tattooing was and still is a ceremonial part of pagan worship. It opened the person up to “their” spirit and the bleeding is a blood sacrifice. Pacific native people understand this spiritual aspect. It’s decline only came when missionaries preached the gospel to those cultures who practised it. During this time it was a symbol of rebellion for wild hearts. It still is a sign of rebellion from anything Godly. While there is forgiveness to those who repent, Jesus Christ death doesn’t allow for pagan worship under a guise of grace, just as the 10 Commandments are still relevant after His death and resurrection. The term, “Christian tattoos” is false as there is no such thing and neither is it neutral. Ignorance is no court of appeal.
Very well said Deborah! Amen!
If this was the only cause of cancer it would be simple to prevent. Since 1900’s more and more cancers are found,the medical profession and the pharmaceutical are still staying we are advancing in find a CURE How about the PREVENTION. Cancer industries are make money with the disease so money is the important factor, people come second, third etc. One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
When the skin is pierced, it permits material to enter the bloodstream. Why would anyone pay for a risky tattoo? Toxic dye is not something anyone would ingest, Why would any intelligent person have a procedure done, which puts toxic dye go right into the bloodstream?
The cancer clinic did not seem to have any problem tattooing me in 1998 to set up the markers for radiation therapy!!! LOL!!
Three years ago lymph nodes swelled in my neck groin and arm pits and I had episodes of night sweats and weight loss. Study of a surgically removed node from my neck revealed non hodgkin’s lymphoma and a CT scan reveled widespread disease internally within the lymphatic system. Black tattoo pigment was found in the center of the lymph node. I have tattoos on both arms the last of which was added over 15 years earlier. Looking at the make up of these inks it strikes me as likely this stuff has contributed to my situation. I am in the UK and am using the Gerson Therapy coffee enemas and all that to recover my health. No more tattoos for me. Mum always said they were a bad idea!
I am sorry to hear this. My best to you and namaste
Gerson therapy is amazing!!!
Can we please keep this secular and focused on evidence-based reasons to consider whether or not to get a tattoo? I have absolutely no interest in hearing religious proscriptions for health issues.
Thank you, Your Friendly Neighbor Agnostic! I wish this article would have addressed what to do once you ALREADY have them. At one point in time your didn’t know what you didn’t know. Since the article overlooked that point, it world be nice if of the author was reading/responding to comments. It’s disappointing when we are ignored.
To Your Friendly Neighbour Agnostic
Why should this discussion be limited to a secular point of view? If you were as friendly as your title says you would be willing to accept ALL points of view including truth coming from the Bible.
Your Friendly Christian Follower
My view is that as we don’t live by the Old Testament anymore and we live in Christ, Leviticus 19:28 is no longer relevant. If the Old Testament laws were still relevant we would all be in serious trouble because if you choose to live this way you must obey ALL of it and not just pick and choose what pleases you. For example back up a bit to Leviticus 19:27 “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
If you want to get a tattoo, knock yourself out. I know plenty of people who have them and none of them have any problems. If you live a healthy lifestyle then your body can naturally counteract the nasties in the ink. A good balance is what is called for not abstinence. If we had to eliminate EVERYTHING that is bad for us then life would be miserable.
Saying that, Jesus can help with that.
God bless.
It is amazing to me how people treat God’s word like a salad bar. I will have a little of that but I do not like that. I’m a new testament Christian; after Rev 4 is for the Jews. Who made these determinations? The Bible is clear that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Jesus says, “But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” The context is eternal life: see Matt. 19:17. Revelation also says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Do you know that God states he will not put all of these diseases on us if we follow His laws, statutes and judgments. See Ex. 15:26, Deut. 7:15; but if we don’t He will: Deut. 28:58-60 This has to do with the law of the animals: Lev. 11:46-47. God has designated what is good for food and what is not. Today much like the Egyptians, we are eating the world’s designated sewer system and wonder why we have cancer. Would you put a buzzard on your Thanksgiving table? But you will put a swine that is an abomination to God that is full of trichina worms. It is not a Jewish thing, their stomachs were made the same as ours.
Leviticus 19:28
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
25% of Americans will probably vote for Donnie Trump as well .
This article is incorrect.
The FDA has NO authority over the cosmetic industry and can only issue consumer warnings when it is found that a substance used in a consumer product can cause disease.
They can not warn or fine the cosmetic industry.
No Gary. The FDA do. Just seriously look at how many cosmetic brands and companies are under and approved by the FDA or not. Whether they are approved or not, does not clearly state that the FDA do or do not have any authority. As they are a big corporation, they would be able to have authority if they so wanted. On their website they claim under the heading ‘The regulation of cosmetics’ that ‘Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetic products and ingredients do not require FDA approval before they go on the market. The exception is color additives (other than those used in most hair dyes). Companies and individuals who market cosmetics have the legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products.’ Notice the word ‘EXCEPTION’? Color additives are always laced with chemicals that are never natural. This is how they have pulled themselves out of duty of care also. Further, under the heading of ‘Safety data and its limitations’ they state this ‘FDA monitors the safety of cosmetic products that are being marketed and acts on products that are established to be harmful to consumers when used as intended. The agency has a number of ways to monitor these products but often the available safety information is limited:’ See, they do have authority as they do monitor these products. This is the loophole they’re scrambling through: ‘Because the law does not require that bad reactions to cosmetics be reported to FDA, we may be unaware of problems. That’s why FDA is trying to increase consumer awareness about the importance of reporting cosmetic-related problems.’ <– This is the FDA's poor excuse using manipulation to avoid duty of care and of being held negligent in regard to patented cosmetics. That's right 'PATENTED'. Where does the word 'PATENTED' come from? The sick, twisted, lying, manipulative, power hungry, money hungry, greedy hell bound Pharmaceuticals industry, aka. 'big pharma' that sell and market all kinds of unnatural substances 'chemicals' called 'drugs'. They also state on their website 'What Can FDA Do if a Cosmetic Is Not Safe? To prevent further shipment of a cosmetic that does not comply with the law, FDA may ask a federal court to issue an injunction, request that U.S. marshals seize the products, initiate criminal action, refuse entry of an imported cosmetic, request that a company recall a product. FDA cannot require recalls of cosmetics, but works with companies to make sure their recalls are effective.' That is the FDA's authority right there as clear as day.
How is that not authority? Wake up please.
Resource used: official fda website.
Many of the ink posts are outdated. Tattoo parlors now use quality organic ink pigments that is completely vegan safe and not packed with fillers!
I always wondered what the risks were to this. I never thought these were very safe nor attractive to be changing the skin so drastically and so permanently. Makes no sense to me to put ones self in that kind of harms way and also to permanently change the way they look.
I have been a tattoo artist since 1977. I was taught the old schoolway. The new inks on the market have a patch test warning on them.,that is why I do not use them.The company is telling you right off the bat ,that you may have a problem. In all my years I have had one “allergic reaction” it was red ink on a woman that was caused from her depro birth control shot.I had been inking the lady for 10+ years and she never had a problem with any ink .She stopped the shot and the ink went back down. IF YOU GET A TATTOO….LOOK AT THE INK BOTTLE….IF THERE IS A WARNING LABEL ON IT……get out of the shop , clip cord,tattoo, machine should be covered and gloves a must. If they are using disposable supplies,have the artist break the needles and give them to you.Getting a tattoo is closer than having sex…..ask lots of questions and if the artist cannot answer them you are in the wrong shop.
It has been said that tattoos are how the lower class invests in art!
I personally find tattoos unattractive. I can not imagine anyone allowing someone to poke them with a needle over and over. Lastly if you are on the fence about getting a tattoo go to a nursing home and see how lovely these works of art look on a senior citizen. It’s not pretty.
Attractive vs. Unattractive is not the issue. If you don’t have a tattoo, don’t like tattoos; good for you! Now, back to the issue at hand. Ty, what if we already have tattoos? What’s the advice? Leave em’? Remove em’? If so; how?
I read an article that said its best to leave it. But if you do get it removed then find a place where they also provide chelation therapy via IV which removes heavy metal toxicity from the body.
the old school pigments were made out of iron oxides and simple additives such as vegetable glycerine and grain alcohol to break down the ink.It was mixed in glass jars and aged for a while to break it down or mixed in a blender to homogenize it to a creamed texture. The newer “cool” inks are brighter because they have dangerous additives to be brighter. When you remove a tattoo you are opening a colored scar and a portion of the ink is going to go into your body ie….liver, gall bladder,or other body filter. Being a tattooist for some 30 plus years.my best advice to anyone that is getting a tattoo is…..this art will last longer than your spouse…so….make sure you want to live with it for the rest of your life.
Is there a website you could recommend? That does sound like a good possible alternative. I’d really like to know
During biblical times the jails were not secure so, they tattooed the crime on the people. I personally wish they still did. I am a tattoo artist and some of the people I have tattooed are preachers and nuns. The times are changing including people not being smart enough to do the homework need to get a tattoo or trust a doctor with what is said to them.EDUCATE yourself on any procedure done to your body. I have a few tattoos…..however they cover scars . All the choices of tattoos I have are of a biblical nature. I think you need to step back off your soap box and rethink this a bit…….do you know what Jesus’ wife was?
What nonsense to bring the bible and the fairy stories within into a scientific discussion. Keep you religion in the temples and churches as evidence based discussion is no place for belief systems.
Thanks for the alert!
I am a proud heavily-tattooed person and,quite frankly,i prefer the company of other tattoo freaks to anyone in the “straight”community.I have never regretted any of my tattoos(well,thats not exactly true:my one and only regret regarding my “collection”is that I have so many ideas for new tattoos and im running out of bare skin on which to put them!) But all this health-related stuff serves a valid point:learn as much as you can about the tattooing process before you commit to it.Its NOT for everyone;too many people get tattooed for the wrong reasons(peer pressure,wanting to look cool,it will make you sexier/tougher/more masculine,etc.)ASK questions of a prospective artist before deciding if tattooing your flesh is right for you.If they wont answer then leave their shop and try again somewhere else.Check around-ask to see photos of tattoos that artist has done before,ask to see their sterilization equipment,ask what precautions they use to prevent bloodborne infections,ask how long they’ve been in the business,ask where they learned to tattoo and who taught them the art,etc.,etc.Gather all the info you can before making your decision.After all,youre gonna HAVE that tattoo a lot longer than you did NOT have it!
Tattoo ink can also cause autoimmune disease.