Tattoos have been a form of self-expression for centuries, but the health risks associated with the inks used have always been a concern. A recent clinical study conducted by scientists from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has shed light on the path and metabolism of the liquid components of tattooing agents in the body for the first time.
Published in the journal Archives of Toxicology, the study revealed that smaller amounts of the tattooing agents remain in the body than previously assumed. Dr. Ines Schreiver, the head of the study, stated that the results will help in assessing and evaluating the health risks of tattooing more accurately in the future.
The study involved 24 volunteers who received tattoos of their choice under laboratory conditions at the Charité hospital in Berlin. Urine and blood samples were taken before, during, and after tattooing to track the behavior and metabolism of the liquid components from the tattooing agents.
The study found that the metabolites were detectable in the blood shortly after tattooing began, indicating a different metabolism process than expected for substances absorbed through the skin. Enzymes in the skin cells played a significant role in how these substances were processed, leading to the formation of different metabolites with potential varying effects.
Interestingly, only around a fifth of the tattoo ink used actually ended up in the skin, with the rest being excreted through the healing wounds. This data on ink deposition in the body will allow for a more accurate assessment of potential health risks associated with tattoo inks containing hazardous chemicals.
The study, titled “Tat_BioV: tattoo ink exposure and biokinetics of selected tracers in a short-term clinical study of 24 subjects,” provides valuable insights into the dynamics of tattoo ink in the body. It highlights the importance of understanding the metabolism and distribution of tattooing agents to mitigate potential health risks associated with tattoos.
In conclusion, the study by the BfR has paved the way for a better understanding of how tattoo inks interact with the body. By tracking the path and metabolism of tattooing agents, researchers can now assess the health risks of tattoos more accurately, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions about getting inked.
