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Main Topics 2013 | Tattooing agents
Approximately nine percent of the German population is tattooed, and this number continues to grow. How-
ever, tattoos involve health risks and can, for example, cause allergic reactions and infections. The substances
contained in tattooing agents have not been subjected to a health assessment for insertion in the skin or been
approved, and their long-term effects on the human body are unknown. Much data is still lacking for an assess-
ment of the risk associated with tattooing agents – including data on how the inks are dispersed in the body
and the effect they have. To gain more knowledge in this area, the BfR is conducting research into the identity
of cleavage products from tattoo inks and is developing new analytical methods for enforcement laboratories.
In addition, the BfR is assessing the hygienic risks associated with tattooing.
Tattoos are linked with health risks. Undesired side effects include non-
infectious and infectious reactions. The most common non-infectious
reactions are intolerances (allergies) to one of the pigments applied or to
the preservatives or metals, such as chrome or nickel, that are frequently
contained in tattoo inks. During tattooing colour pigments are inserted
into the skin using needles, thus causing tiny lesions. These are entry
portals for bacteria which can lead to infectious reactions. The lesion it-
self can become infected or the body can become systemically infected
if pathogens enter the bloodstream. Persons with immune deficiencies
have an increased risk of infection or a decelerated wound healing.
Since the skin's natural barrier function is impaired when injecting a
tattoo, there is additionally a risk that the substances contained in tattoo
inks disperse in the body and lead to undesired side effects. There is
virtually no information available on the long-term health consequences
of these processes.
Substances contained in tattooing agents
barely regulated
While the Tattooing Agent Ordinance has been in force in Germany
since May 2009, the chemical requirements stipulated therein are based
on requirements for cosmetics. Since cosmetics – in contrast to tattoos –
are applied to the surface of the skin, the requirements are not compa-
rable. Furthermore, the Ordinance only lists limitations and prohibitions
regarding certain substances and does not yet contain any explicitly
permitted substances. This means that even if tattooing inks comply
with the Tattooing Agent Ordinance, they are not necessarily free of sub-
stances that endanger health. The reason for this is the lack of scientific
data that currently precludes a complete risk assessment.
Tattooing agents:
risks that get under the skin
The focal point of research and regulations:
tattoo inks and their ingredients.
