Tattoo Inks Pose Health Risks.

[bri]

I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with tattoos. It is a personal choice for everyone. I was just trying to give out safety information and create awareness of the problem.

 

[LordKOTL]

What is India ink?

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.

India ink is basically water, lampblack (soot--basically carbon particles), and a binder; shellac or gelatin. It is the basis of black Calligraphy ink or black tattoo ink. The main difference between black tattoo ink and calligraphy or printing in is that the binder in tattoo-grade ink is usually gelatin, the ater is sterilized, and the carbon particles are smaller so they don't jam the needle.



I'm no expert, but for my ink, and my wife's I did a lot of research. It's usually in the colored inks where you run into compatibility problems because of the pigments they use.

 

[supraman]

What is India ink?

Liquefied Indians DUH

 

[winos5]

I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with tattoos. It is a personal choice for everyone. I was just trying to give out safety information and create awareness of the problem.

I don't think anyone implied that you did. Agree by the way. You roll the dice when you get inked. The risk may be low, but it remains present.