Before you decide to get a tattoo, it is important to know the composition of the ink used and its potential health effects.
Are you planning a tattoo? You have the right to know
Published June 6, 2024 11:32
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For tattooing purposes, use only mixtures bearing the following statement: "Mixture intended for use in tattoos or permanent makeup." Meanwhile, as GIS reports, not all inks reaching the European market are applicable for tattooing and permanent makeup in humans.
You have the right to know
On the label of the ink there may be a manufacturer's information, for example, stating:
- This is not tattoo ink
- Not intended for human use
- For training purposes only
- For tattooing furniture
- For tattooing animals
The manufacturer's information may be covered up with other content that could be misleading. It is important to check it.
The Chief Sanitary Inspector warns against tattooing and permanent makeup with inks not labeled with the phrase "Mixture for use in tattoos or permanent makeup." Cases of use of non-compliant inks should be reported to the state district sanitary inspector.
Marking of carcasses
The label of the ink mixture for tattooing or permanent makeup should include:
- lot number,
- list of all components,
- safety instructions for use,
- if it follows from the composition of the product, also information about:
- pH regulator content,
- presence of nickel compounds: "Contains nickel. May cause allergic reactions."
- The presence of chromium (VI) compounds: "Contains chromium (VI). May cause allergic reactions."
The information must be clearly visible, legible and labeled in an indelible manner. In Poland, information on substances and mixtures placed on the market is provided in Polish.
Before tattooing, the tattooist should inform the client about the information on the package or included in the instructions for use.
Security and the law
On January 4, 2022, Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2081 of December 14, 2020, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) entered into force, with respect to substances included in mixtures for tattooing or permanent makeup.
The regulation imposed a number of restrictions on substances that were used in the production of carcasses and that may have harmful effects on human health.
The purpose of the restrictions introduced is not to ban tattooing, but to ensure the safety of both tattooers, permanent makeup artists and industry workers.
Source: GIS
