Just under half of the most popular tattoo inks contain potentially carcinogenic chemicals, a US study reveals.
• Read also: Half of tattoo inks contain carcinogens
Researchers at the State University of New York analyzed 56 widely used inks and found that 23 of them contained azo compounds which, when exposed to UV rays or bacteria, can transform and become carcinogenic.
Since these inks are also present in Canada, there is reason to ask questions, says chemist and professor at Laval University, Normand Voyer.
“There is nothing in Canada that requires ink manufacturers to indicate the chemical composition of their ink,” he explained to TVA Nouvelles.
The latter considers that it is therefore impossible for a consumer or a tattoo artist to know the composition of an ink.
Moreover, the vast majority of inks use the same pigments as for paint or textiles.
A website is currently under construction to help tattooed individuals and artists learn regarding the products in their ink.
To see the full explanation, watch the video above.
