Tatoo inks are regulated by the FDA in the US, much like cosmetics. Not to further alarm you folks worried about getting inked, the pigments often include heavy metals such as lead, titanium, cobalt and others. They are responsible for those bright shiny colors that you see in some pieces. All but one of my total of ten are black work. Being diabetic, I am more concerned with the wound not healing properly thus fucking up my most talented artists hard work. The only thing stopping me from getting more is the cost. That and last I heard, my boy was in the joint for something I'm sure is all a misunderstanding. Kinda like going back to college and advancing your education.
Not according to the article , links, and comments in the article that is the basis for this thread.
"Concentrated tattoo inks may be made from products that were never intended to be used for tattoos. Tattoo ink manufacturers may use products such as calligraphy ink, drawing ink, or even printer ink to make the products eventually used for tattooing. These manufacturers often sell their products online, and while their states may require them to hold a business license, there is no regulation or oversight of the product itself."
However, when problems are identified with any cosmetic prodect, nutritional supplement, vitamin, herbal ect...the FDA investigates after the fact.
"FDA investigates and intervenes when a serious safety issue arises. And that’s what happened here."
Having said that I'm only regurgitating what was in the articles and links provided within the article, I'm no expert on FDA regulation of tattoos. I do know laws, professional licenses, and regulation very by state for tattooists and their buisnesses.
