Nanoparticles from Tattoos May Create Long-term Health Complications

Scientists from the ESRF, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Ludwig-Maximilians University, and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt released a new first of its kind study reporting that ink from tattoos travel throughout the body.

Here-to-fore unknown, but suspected, micro/nano-particles from tattoo ink travels into the lymph nodes. This is billed as the first study that tracks organic and inorganic pigments as well as toxic impurities thereof in tissues with tattoos.

"When someone wants to get a tattoo, they are often very careful in choosing a parlor where they use sterile needles that haven´t been used previously. No one checks the chemical composition of the colors, but our study shows that maybe they should," explains Hiram Castillo, one of the authors of the study and scientist at the ESRF.

In addition, the authors say that very little research has been done in terms of toxicity and impurities in various colors of tattoo ink and mixtures up til now. Organic and inorganic pigments, preservatives, and heavy metals are contained within most tattoo ink. It’s well known that heavy metals are neuro-toxic when left in the body. Nickel, chromium, manganese or cobalt are some of the most common heavy metals in the ink. One of the core ingredients, carbon black along with the second most common ingredient along with titanium dioxide (TiO2) a white tint used to mix with other colors are used extensively. TiO2 is also commonly used in food additives, sunscreens, paints. However, this tint may cause delayed healing, skin irritation, and itching. With this research, the authors feel they have a much better picture of tissue harm when the pigment is in place.

Bernhard Hesse, one of the two first authors of the study states, "We already knew that pigments from tattoos would travel to the lymph nodes because of visual evidence: the lymph nodes become tinted with the color of the tattoo. It is the response of the body to clean the site of entrance of the tattoo. What we didn't know is that they do it in a nano form, which implies that they may not have the same behavior as the particles at a micro level. And that is the problem: we don't know how nanoparticles react."

Using x-rays fluorescence and measurements they were able to locate micro and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide in the skin and lymphatic system. Previously only the chemical composition of the ink has been investigated. Researchers feel that the nanoparticles they found in the lymph may lead to chronic irritation and enlargement. In addition, Fourier infrared spectroscopy was used to assess biomolecular changes in the tissues in the proximity of the tattoo particles.

The researchers believe that the above is ample evidence of migration and long-term deposition of toxic elements from tattoo pigments for long-term irritation and inflammation, both locally and systemically.

As a side note, not related to the above research, there are many substances that will detoxify or chelate much of the toxins noted herein, from the body. Check with A4M or World health for more information.