The European Union Warns: Tattoos May Cause Cancer, Infertility, and Harm to Fetuses

Thinking of getting a tattoo? You might want to reconsider. The European Chemicals Agency recently issued a warning against getting tattoos. The reason: serious health risks.

In the agency's statement, it was noted: "Numerous reports raise concerns about the composition of tattoo ink. The primary concerns are severe allergic reactions, cancerous tumors, and fertility issues."

According to the union, the chemicals found in tattoo ink are highly toxic and can even cause changes in the cell's genetic material (DNA), which might lead to true mutations that have the potential to develop into real cancerous tumors.

Previous studies on this topic have already indicated similar findings. Many studies have shown a link between tattoos and skin cancer, proving that they increase the risk due to toxic chemicals, which include carcinogens and hormone-disrupting substances.

Research conducted at the Washington Institute of Laser Dermatology found the chemical phthalate in tattoo ink, which is used in the plastic industry and may cause various skin reactions, like itching, rashes, and even cancer. This chemical can mimic the activity of the male hormone estrogen, potentially affecting the male reproductive system and even the fetus in a pregnant woman who has tattoos on her body(!).

Other tests have also discovered that tattoo ink contains heavy metals like lead, nickel, titanium, and chromium, which may lead to allergies, harm to the reproductive system, and damage to the nervous system.

Similarly, the University of Bradford, which investigated the issue, discovered that the toxins in tattoos could be absorbed into the blood as nanoparticles, accumulating in the spleen, kidneys, and lymph nodes, leading to cancerous tumors.

Additionally, another study showed that one in 20 people who get tattoos suffer from severe complications, which result in infections, leading to rashes, itching, and swelling.

Similarly, at New York University, it was found that 6% of people with tattoos reported similar symptoms, lasting months and sometimes even years(!).

It should be noted that until now, tattoo inks were not regulated like drugs and food products. Now, with the first regulation conducted, it was astonishingly revealed that these are very dangerous substances. Hence, the union is considering implementing controls and banning tattoo ink throughout Europe.