BfR | Annual Report 2013
38
BfR conference on risks and problems
with tattooing agents
In order to assess the current state of the science and regulation of
tattooing agents, the BfR, in conjunction with Freie Universität Berlin,
held a symposium in June 2013 titled the “First International Confer-
ence on Tattoo Safety”. At this conference in Berlin, internationally re-
nowned experts presented current knowledge on the topics of ana-
lytics and exposure, toxicology, hygiene and microbiology, technology,
and regulation of tattooing agents. Also taking part at the conference
were professional associations of tattoo artists, manufacturers of tattoo
inks and pigments, and specialist medical representatives. As a result
of the conference it was concluded that due to lack of data it is cur-
rently not feasible to make a complete and reliable risk assessment of
tattooing agents. There is a great need for research, in particular with
respect to the possible transport of substances from tattoo inks out
of the human skin and subsequent accumulation in lymphatic organs
such as the lymph nodes, for example. Only when data is available for
this, as well as on the possible effects of individual substances on the
human organism, will it be possible to compile so-called positive lists.
These would record the substances for which, up to a certain dosage,
no negative effects on health are to be expected. The collection of the
missing data will take some time; the positive list is therefore more of a
long-term perspective. During the conference, it also became clear that
the requirements of the Tattooing Agent Ordinance are frequently not
observed, particularly with respect to the chemical quality of tattoo inks.
The BfR therefore regards increased inspection of compliance with the
legal requirements as absolutely essential.
Visit to a tattoo studio: at the “First International Conference on Tattoo
Safety”, the emphasis was on the exchange of information between
practitioners and scientists.
The basis for every tattoo: a blueprint of the
desired motif.
>>
Based on the current
status of scientific
knowledge, it is
not yet possible to
make a complete
risk assessment of
tattooing inks.
