A recent survey found that one-third of Americans get tattoos, with the biggest contributing factor cited being the powerful impact of musicians like Justin Bieber and Machine Gun Kelly.
Adults between the ages of 30-49 make up at least half of these Americans.
Although these artistic inks let people to create a visual story on their skin, things can go horribly wrong and leave victims with damaged organs.
However, how?
According to the Daily Mail, tests conducted on 54 ink samples in New York produced 45 unlisted chemicals, including 2-phenoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol, and an antibiotic.
Tattoos can be made easier to apply by thickening them with polyethylene glycol. It has also been connected to organ damage, particularly a form of kidney necrosis, and is present in a variety of goods, including hair spray, cosmetics, and body wash.
Experts claim that 2-phenoxyethanol, a substance also found in sunscreen, eye shadows, and moisturizers, inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
On the other hand, it has also been connected to newborns’ nervous system malfunction.
Propylene glycol, a common antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, was discovered throughout the tests. This antibiotic was not listed on the label and may have been added to lower the chance of contamination.
This antibiotic has been connected to allergic reactions that result in eczema and other skin disorders.
Tattoo inks adhere to the skin’s surface by being absorbed by white blood cells such as macrophages. On the other hand, contaminants have the ability to enter the bloodstream and, in some situations, spread throughout the body, increasing the risk of unfavorable side effects such organ damage.
The study’s principal investigator, Dr. John Swierk, a chemist from Binghampton University, stated: “We hope the manufacturers use this as a chance to review their procedures and that artists and customers use this as a chance to demand better labeling and manufacturing.”
“Empowering artists and their clients is our goal in a lot of this research,” he continued. Professionals who have devoted their entire life to their craft, tattoo artists strive for the best results for their customers.
“We’re trying to highlight that there are some deficiencies in manufacturing and labelling.”
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.