Toxic Metals and Cancerous Compounds Found in Australian Tattoo Inks: Study

Tattoo inks sold in Australia have been found to contain toxic metals and cancerous compounds that do not meet European Union (EU) safety standards, an Australian study has found.

The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, found high levels of multiple regulated toxic substances, such as arsenic and lead, in 15 black and coloured tattoo inks purchased by Australian suppliers from established international tattoo ink brands.

However, the authors said this finding is not a cause for panic.

Toxic Metals and Carcinogens in Tattoo Ink

Restricted metals, including antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, and tin, were found above safe levels, the study found.