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Before to tattoo , you mentally prepare for a little discomfort during the process - without mentioning a certain pain after the fact, while the area heals. But after about a week, you should be ready to show your new ink, without taking into account the way it could affect your health. However, according to new research from the University of Binghamton in New York, you may want to give your next tattoo an additional reflection, because the ingredients not listed in tattoo ink can actually present health risks .

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THE new study was published in Analytical Chemistry February 22, and produced by the laboratory of John Swierk , PHD, assistant chemistry professor at the University of Binghamton. The researchers examined 54 inks of nine common brands in the United States, identifying several ingredients that were not included on the label. In total, 45 inks (approximately 83%) "contained additives and / or unlisted pigments", depending on the study.

One of the most Regarding additives was poly (ethylene glycol), which was found in more than half of the inks. According to a press release describing the results of the study, this additive can cause damage to organs by repeated exposure. Fifteen of the 54 inks also contained propylene potential allergen glycol; an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections; And 2-phenoxyethanol, which may present risks for nursing infants.

The study did not determine whether the unlisted ingredients have been intentionally added or if the manufacturers have received contaminated materials or incorrect labels. However, researchers hope that new data will highlight security in the future.

"We hope that the manufacturers are grasping this as an opportunity to reassess their processes, and that artists and customers grasp it to put pressure for better labeling and better manufacturing," Swierk said in the press release.

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Because obtaining a tattoo breaks the skin, the process has certain risks, explains Mayo Clinic. First and before, ink can cause a allergic reaction (The most common negative result, which can actually appear years later), while ink or contaminated equipment can cause skin infection.

Make things a little more complicated, Swierk notes that, in general, "research on tattoos safety implications is always absent". The red pigment is specifically problematic, but science could not identify why.

State and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, but inks and pigments Rest under the jurisdiction of Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA). This is a recent evolution, because Congress adopted the law on the modernization of cosmetics' regulation (Mocrates) at the end of 2022. Before that, inks were only considered as cosmetic, which means that they do not were not subject to regulations, the press release said.

"The FDA is always to know what it will look like and we think that this study will influence discussions around Mocranty," said Swierk. "This is also the first study to explicitly examine the inks sold in the United States and is probably the most complete because it examines the pigments, which remain nominally in the skin, and the transporter package, which is suspended pigment. "

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The study also examined only substances with higher concentrations - 2,000 parts per million (ppm) or more. In Europe, where the regulations are more strict, the substances are examined at lower concentrations, that is to say in the range of 2 ppm. According to the press release, this means that there can even be more Substances to American ink that researchers have been able to identify.

"Our goal in a large part of this research is to empower artists and their customers," SWIERK said in the press release. "Tattoo artists are serious professionals who have devoted their lives to this job and they want the best possible results for their customers. We are trying to emphasize that there are shortcomings in manufacturing and labeling." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Speak with Nowsweek ,, Selina Medina , the director of research at the Alliance of Professional Tattois Association (APT), said that the organization "advises artists to be aware of the erroneous potential of their tattoo ink products. ""

Medina continued: "The risks associated with incorrect labeling can lead to an allergic reaction, especially if there are unlisted ingredients". She also added that artists should familiarize themselves with the FDA regulations and the labeling guide for US food and drug officials for tattoo inks and permanent make -up.

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.