Chemical Substances

in Tattoo Ink
Survey of chemical substances in consumer
products (Kortlægning af kemiske stoffer i
forbrugerprodukter) no. 116, 2012
Title: Contributors/Editors

Chemical Substances in Tattoo Ink Eva Jacobsen, Kathe Tønning, Eva Pedersen og Nils Bernth, Danish
Kemiske stoffer i tatoveringfarver Technological Institute (Teknologisk Institut)
Jørgen Serup og Trine Høgsberg, Bispebjerg Hospital
Elsa Nielsen, The National Food Institute, Technical University of
Denmark (Fødevareinstituttet, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet)

Publisher: Photo:

Miljøstyrelsen
Strandgade 29
1401 København K Illustration:
www.mst.dk

Year: Map:

2012

ISBN no.

978-87-92779-87-8
Disclaimer:
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency will, when opportunity offers, publish reports and contributions relating to
environmental research and development projects financed via the Danish EPA. Please note that publication does not
signify that the contents of the reports necessarily reflect the views of the Danish EPA. The reports are, however,
published because the Danish EPA finds that the studies represent a valuable contribution to the debate on
environmental policy in Denmark.

May be quoted provided the source is acknowledged.

2 Fejl! Ingen tekst med den anførte typografi i dokumentet.

Table of Contents
PREFACE 6 
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 8 
SAMMENFATNING OG KONKLUSIONER 16 
1  SURVEY 22 
1.1  OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY 22 
1.2  DELIMITATION AND DEFINITIONS 22 
1.2.1  Delimitation 22 
1.2.2  Definitions 23 
1.3  PROCEDURE 24 
1.4  RESULTS OF SURVEY NO. 2, 2002 24 
1.5  RESULTS FROM OTHER STUDIES 25 
1.5.1  General observations 25 
1.5.2  Specific investigations 26 
1.6  RESULT OF SURVEY – INTERVIEWS 2010 28 
1.6.1  Applied tattoo inks 29 
1.6.2  Distribution of applied inks 29 
1.6.3  Tattoos – age and sex 30 
1.7  PURCHASED PRODUCTS 30 
1.8  EXECUTIVE ORDER ON COSMETICS 33 
1.9  CLASSIFICATION ORDER NO. 1272/2008 34 
1.10  CHOICE OF CHEMICAL ANALYSES AND TATTOO INKS FOR
ANALYSIS 35 
1.10.1  Metals and other elements 35 
1.10.2  Carbon black 36 
1.10.3  Phthalocyanines 36 
1.10.4  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) 37 
1.10.5  Primary aromatic amines (PAA) liberated from azo colorants 37 
1.10.6  p-Phenylendiamine (PPD) 38 
1.10.7  Summary of analysis program 39 
2  LEGISLATION 40 
2.1  DANISH LEGISLATION 40 
2.2  THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE 41 
2.3  MEDICAL TATTOOS 41 
2.4  REMOVAL OF TATTOOS 42 
3  EXPOSURE SCENARIOS 43 
3.1  FREQUENCY OF TATTOOS 43 
3.2  EXPOSED PARTS OF THE BODY 43 
3.3  EXPOSURE OF THE BODY 44 
3.4  NANOMATERIALS IN TATTOO INKS 49 
3.5  DEFINITION OF DERMATOLOGICAL TERMS 49 
3.6  KNOWN DERMATOLOGICAL AND OTHER SIDE-EFFECTS FROM
TATTOOS 50 
4  CHEMICAL ANALYSES 52 
4.1  OBJECTIVE OF THE ANALYSES 52 
4.1.1  Outline of analyses and tattoo inks 52 
4.2  METHOD DESCRIPTIONS 54 
 4.2.1  Extraction of subsamples 54 
4.2.2  ICP/MS screening analysis for metals and other elements 54 
4.2.3  TGA analysis for carbon black 55 
4.2.4  Colour test for phthalocyanines 55 
4.2.5  GC/MS analysis (A) for PAH 55 
4.2.6  GC/MS analysis (B) for primary aromatic amines (PAA) liberated
from azo colorants and free PAA 56 
4.2.7  GC/MS (C) analysis for p-phenylendiamine (PPD) and free PAA 56 
4.3  RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSES 57 
4.3.1  Results for metals and other elements 57 
4.3.2  Results for carbon black 59 
4.3.3  Results for phthalocyanines 60 
4.3.4  Results for PAH 61 
4.3.5  Results for p-phenylendiamine (PPD) 65 
4.3.6  Results for PAA liberated from azo colorants 65 
4.3.7  Results for PAA from other sources 71 
4.3.8  Other PAA demonstrated through GC/MS analysis 75 
4.4  SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSES 76 
5  HEALTH EFFECT ASSESSMENT: SELECTED CHEMICAL
SUBSTANCES IN TATTOO INKS 80 
5.1  HEALTH EFFECT ASSESSMENT: PRINCIPLES 80 
5.1.1  Hazard assessment: Principles 81 
5.1.2  Risk characterisation: Principles 81 
5.2  SELECTION OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES FOR THE HEALTH EFFECT
ASSESSMENT 82 
5.3  HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF THE SELECTED CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES84 
5.3.1  Elements 84 
5.3.2  Carbon black 93 
5.3.3  Phthalocyanines 94 
5.3.4  Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) 95 
5.3.5  Primary aromatic amines (PAA) 97 
5.3.6  Summary: Hazard Assessment 104 
5.4  RISK CHARACTERISATION OF THE SELECTED CHEMICAL
SUBSTANCES 106 
5.4.1  Limitations / lack of knowledge: Exposure assessment 107 
5.4.2  Limitations / lack of knowledge: Hazard assessment 110 
5.4.3  Limitations / lack of knowledge: The selected chemical substances 111 
5.4.4  Risk characterisation: Conclusion 116 
6  HEALTH ASSESSMENT: PATIENT REACTIONS 117 
6.1  BACKGROUND 117 
6.2  GENERAL CONDITIONS 117 
6.3  CASES 120 
6.4  CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY 123 

Enclosure A: Comparison of pigments in tattoo ink with the Executive Order

on Cosmetics
Enclosure B: Information on the pigments in the purchased inks
Enclosure C: Results of ICP-MS screening
Enclosure D: References

4
5
Preface

The project ”Chemical Substances in Tattoo Ink” was carried out from
September 2010 till December 2011.

This report describes the project results and also includes a survey, legislation,
exposure scenarios, chemical analyses of selected tattoo inks and a health and
risk assessment of selected compounds in tattoo ink as well as patient
reactions.

The project was carried out by Danish Technological Institute in co-operation

with Bispebjerg Hospital and the National Food Institute, Technical
University of Denmark.

The project participants were:

Danish Technological Institute, the Laboratory for Chemistry and
Microbiology and Chemistry and Biotechnology:
 M.Sc., Eva Jacobsen, project manager
 Cand.arch., Kathe Tønning
 Laboratory technician, Eva Pedersen
 Master of Engineering, Nils Bernth
Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology:
 Chief Physician, Jørgen Serup
 Doctor, Trine Høgsberg
The National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of
Toxicology and Risk Assessment:
 Senior adviser, PhD, Elsa Nielsen

The project was followed by a reference group consisting of:

 Dorte Bjerregaard Lerche, the Danish Environmental Protection
Agency
 Louise Fredsbo Karlsson, the Danish Environmental Protection
Agency
 Elisabeth Paludan, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency
 Eva Jacobsen, Danish Technological Institute
 Kathe Tønning, Danish Technological Institute
 Jørgen Serup, Bispebjerg Hospital
 Elsa Nielsen, the National Food Institute, Technical University of
Denmark

The project was financed by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.

The report reflects the author’s views and opinions, but not necessarily the
views of the EPA

6
7
Summary and conclusions

In Denmark, the number of professional tattooists has increased and it is

estimated that 13 % of the adult population, i.e. app. 600.000 persons, have a
tattoo.

In 2002, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency carried out a project

on the investigation of colorants in tattoo inks. The objective of this project is
to illustrate which tattoo inks were used by professional Danish tattooists in
2010, analyse the content of selected substances and estimate the possible
health-related risks connected with tattooing.

The survey of tattoo inks on the Danish market appears from Chapter 1. The
objective of the survey was through interviews to identify which tattoo inks are
used on the Danish market and to select products for analysis.

A total of nine tattooists were interviewed. The contacted tattooists informed

which tattoo inks they use and specified the proportional distribution among
their consumption of six main colours – black, red, blue, green, yellow and
white. In addition, the tattooists described the distribution according to age
and sex.

Apart from the contacted tattooists, Danish Tattooist Guild (Dansk Tatovør
1
Laug ) informed which colour series/brands the members use.
Table 0.1 gives an outline of which colour series appeared during the survey.
It also shows how many tattooists informed that they use the individual series.
A tattooist typically uses colours from more than one series.

However, the information from the members of the Danish Tattooist Guild
(from a total of 34 tattooists) only comprises one series per tattooist as they
alone have informed about their preferred series, see Table 0-2.

Table 0.1 Outline of applied tattoo inks/series used by the interviewed tattooists.
Colour series Number of tattooists
Starbrite 6
Micky Sharpz 4
Eternal 4
Classic 2
Alla prima 2
MOM’s 2
Dermaglo 2
Dannys tattoo supplies 1
Silverback 1
Intenze 1
ONE 1
Dynamic 1

1
Danish Tattooist Guild (Dansk Tatovør Laug (DTL)) has just under 50 members

8
Table 0.2 Outline of preferred tattoo ink series of members of the Danish Tattooist
Guild
Colour series Number of tattooists
Intenze 26
Micky Sharpz 6
Starbrite 1
MOM’s 1

All interviewed tattooists informed that black is the predominant ink. Black is
used to draw up the tattoo, for black/white tattoos and to make shadows. Most
of the interviewed tattooists stated that they use red tattoo ink second-most.

Many people between 18 and 30 years of age get a tattoo; however, the
tattooists stated that the customers represent all age groups – still, there are
less customers in the age group over 50 years than under 50 years.

More and more women get a tattoo. Several tattooists informed that they have
a small majority of female customers.

A total of 65 tattoo inks were purchased from 10 different colour series.

Among them, the following number of tattoo inks were selected for the
various analyses:
 61 tattoo inks to be analysed for metals and other elements
 5 tattoo inks to be analysed for carbon black
 6 tattoo inks to be analysed for content of phthalocyanines
 19 tattoo inks to be analysed for selected aromatic polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH)
 19 tattoo inks to be analysed for selected primary aromatic amines
(PAA) liberated from azo colorants
 30 tattoo inks to be analysed for p-phenylendiamin (PPD).

Danish legislation and European steps in the field appear from Chapter 2.

Today, no special regulation exists concerning which chemical substances

may be used for tattoos. Tattoo inks are chemical products that are covered
by the Product Safety Act as well as by REACH and the related restrictions
on a number of chemical substances. In addition, the rules and regulations of
the Executive Order on lead apply to chemical lead. Tattoo inks are not
comprised by legislation on cosmetic products or on medicine.

Likewise, tattoo inks have to meet the regulations of labelling and

classification that apply to all chemical products, including in relation to the
content of CMR compound. That e.g. means that if a tattoo ink contains
more than 0.1 % of a carcinogenic substance, then it must not be used for
tattooing unless it has been reported to the the Danish Working Environment
Service.

It was not possible to procure safety data sheets for 19 of the 65 purchased
inks. In 10 cases there was not agreement between the pigments stated on the
label and the pigments stated in the safety data sheet.

The Council of Europe is not part of the EU and their resolutions should be
regarded as proposals. In resolution ResAP (2008)1 the Council of Europe
stated specifications for tattoo inks, their acceptable composition, packaging,
labelling, sterility etc. In addition, the resolution has a negative list of aromatic

9
amines that could be carcinogenic or mutagenic and a list of permitted metals
and elements with stated max. permitted concentrations.

The exposure scenarios appear from Chapter 3, including how tattoo ink is
entered into the skin.

In average, the tattoos cover 2.5 % of the skin surface corresponding to an

area of 2½ palms per person.

When making a tattoo, the tattoo ink is transferred via an electric vibrating
device from the skin surface into the skin where the pigment is deposited for a
long time. After installation in the derma the pigment distributes itself as it
partly trys to get out of the skin but is caught under epidermis, partly trys to
move into the vessels especially into the lymphatics that drain to the lymph
nodes. Tattoo pigment often exists in the lymph nodes and tattooing of the
skin is indirectly a tattooing of the lymph node that drains the tattooed skin
area. In the light of a study on mice, it is anticipated that a larger part of the
tattoo ink in the initial phase after tattooing disappears out of the skin and is
deposited in the lymph node or comes into systematic circulation and finally is
deposited in other tissue, metabolised or released by the body. The initial
phase is followed by several years of slow oozing of pigment out of the skin at
the same time as the tattoo perhaps is visibly bleached. Distribution and
elimination of tattoo pigment will differ according to which tattoo ink is used.
Tests in rats have proven that small particles such as nanoparticles go directly
into the bloodstream while larger particles are caught in the lymph nodes. On
that basis, the systematic distribution of pigment and the exposure of other
organs and thus the risk profile and elimination are dependent on the particle
size of the pigment in addition to the chemical properties of the colorant.
Many tattoo inks are nano-particulate.

The frequency of adverse events due to tattooing and actual skin

complications has not been assessed. According to the medical literature,
reports on dermatological complications are rather rare. Cases of transfer of
infections, including HIV and hepatitis and special complications such as
lichenoid reactions, pseudolymphoma and granulomatous and sarcoid
reactions have been reported. Skin cancer has been reported in the form of
basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, but compared to the high
frequency of skin cancer in the background population, cancer in a tattoo can
be a simple statistic coincidence without the tattoo pigments being the reason
why clinical skin cancer has developed. The effect of pigment being deposited
in the lymph glands in close contact to the immune system and the blood-
forming tissue has not been examined.

Chemical analyses, including method descriptions and results appear in

chapter 4.

A wide range of different metals and other elements were demonstrated in 61

tattoo inks. No link was demonstrated between tattoo inks (colour) and
content of certain elements. The results were compared with the
2
recommendations of ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe for max.
content of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Sn and Zn. Eight colours
exceed the limit for barium, one colour exceeds the limit for cadmium, four

2
Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and
permanent make-up

10
colours exceed the limit for lead and one colour exceeds the limit for zinc. All
colours contain nickel.

The carbon black content was determined in one grey and four black inks at
5.500 µg/g, 334.000 µg/g, 316.000 µg/g, 108.000 µg/g and 332.000 µg/g,
respectively.

Phthalocyanines were demonstrated in blue, green and violet inks. The four
colours with the highest copper content were used to calculate phthalocyanine
Blue 15:3. The highest content of phthalocyanines was demonstrated in the
blue colours followed by the green colours. The highest content was
demonstrated in a blue colour, where the content of phthalocyanine Blue 15:3
was estimated to 189.000 µg/g.

Quantitative analyses for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

demonstrated a content of PAH exceeding 0.5 µg/g in 14 of the 19
investigated tattoo inks. ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe
recommends a concentration of <0.5 µg/g (<0.5 ppm). The content of PAH
varies with regard to concentration as well as to which PAH’s are present. The
highest concentrations were found in some black colours. Black colours with
no content of PAH’s were also found on the market.

p-Phenylendiamine (PPD) was not demonstrated in the 30 investigated tattoo

inks.

A content of primary aromatic amines (PAA) was demonstrated in 20 of the

30 investigated tattoo inks. ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe
recommends no content of the demonstrated PAA. Five of the inks
demonstrated a content of PAA that was so high that it might indicate that the
five colours contain an azo pigment that can be decomposed to PAA. o-
Anisidine was demonstrated in three of the inks. In the two other inks, aniline
and 4-Methyl-m-phenylendiamine were demonstrated, but it was not possible
within the framework of this project to identify the azo colorants that might
give rise to these break-down products. Skin reactions were registered in
connection with tattoo inks containing the three mentioned PAA. In the light
of the results of the analysis of PAA it was not possible to conclude that
certain colours contain specific PAA as the content in the colours differs a lot
with regard to concentration as well as to which PAA have been
demonstrated.

The health effect assessment (risk assessment) consists of a hazard

assessment, an exposure assessment and a risk characterisation. In relation to
tattooing where chemical substances in the tattoo inks are deposited in the
skin, the health effect assessment is an assessment of whether a given chemical
substance deposited in the skin is associated with a health risk. The health
effect assessment includes local effects in the skin as well as systemic effects,
i.e. effects that occur in tissues and organs in the body after absorption of the
substance from the tattooed skin area.

Twenty-one substances / substance groups were selected for the health effect
assessment: Eight elements, ten aromatic amines, carbon black, PAH and
phthalocyanines.

The hazard assessment included an identification of the critical effect(s) in

relation to tattooing and establishment of DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

11
or DMEL (Derived Minimal Effect level) for the critical effect(s) if possible.
The identification of the critical effect(s) was based on the EU classification of
the selected substances according to Annex I of the Council Directive
1967/548/EEC and the IARC classification for carcinogenic effects when
available, as well as on the critical effects identified in selected expert opinions
from national and international bodies. The NOAELs / LOAELs were
generally those presented in the selected expert opinions from national and
international bodies.

Carcinogenicicity was considered as the critical effect in relation to tattooing

for PAH and the ten selected PAA. For these two groups of substances (PAH
and PAA) it is considered that there is no lower limit (threshold) for the
carcinogenic effects and therefore, a DNEL cannot be established. For one of
the PAH (benzo(a)pyrene) and for two of the PAA (aniline and o-anisidine),
a DMEL has been established. For the remaining substances in these two
groups, a DMEL could not be established based on the available data.

Sensitisation was considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing for a

number of the selected substances (aluminium, chromium, nickel, aniline, p-
chloroaniline, 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine and 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine). In
the EU, these substances are, with the exception of aluminium, classified ‘R43
- may cause sensitisation by skin contact’ according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive. For the selected substances, the available data are not sufficient for
an evaluation of neither the potency nor the threshold value for sensitisation
and therefore, a DNEL for sensitisation could not be established for these
substances.

For a number of the selected substances, other effects than carcinogenicity

and sensitisation were considered as the critical effect in relation to tattooing:
Barium (effects on the cardiovascular system), lead (effects on the developing
nervous system), cadmium (effects on bones and kidney) and
phthalocyanines (decreased number of red blood cells). For barium, cadmium
and phthalocyanines, a DNEL was established for the critical effect. For lead,
a DNEL could not be established for the critical effect as a threshold for the
critical effect (effects on the developing nervous system) has not been
identified.

For some substances, (copper, titanium (titanium dioxide) and carbon black),
a critical effect in relation to tattooing could not be identified.

In the risk characterisation, the outcome of the exposure assessment

(exposure estimate) is compared with the outcome of the hazard assessment
(DNEL/DMEL for the critical effect) and the so-called risk characterisation
ratio (RCR) is calculated. RCR is thus the ratio between the exposure
estimate and the DNEL/DMEL (RCR = exposure/DN(M)EL). If the
exposure estimate is lower than the DNEL/DMEL, i.e. the RCR <1, the
exposure is not considered to pose a risk for the given application. The
DNEL / DMEL established for the critical (systemic) effects for the selected
chemical substances in the analysed tattoo inks are generally expressed in the
unit ‘mg/kg bw per day’. Therefore, the exposure estimates also have to be
expressed in the same unit for an RCR to be calculated.

In order to express the exposure in the form of a systemic dose expressed in

the unit ‘mg/kg bw per day’, it is necessary to know how much of the
substance deposited in the tattooed skin area following tattooing is

12
subsequently absorbed, i.e. to know the percentage of the deposited substance
that is transported from the tattooed skin area to the tissues and organs in the
body via the blood circulation and /or lymphatic system.

This project has revealed a number of limitations as well as lack of knowledge

in order to evaluate the uptake and transport of substances from a tattooed
skin area to the tissues and organs in the body. Consequently, it is not possible
with currently available knowledge to perform a valid quantitative exposure
assessment, i.e. to estimate the systemic dose of the selected chemical
substances in the analysed tattoo inks. In addition, the project has also
revealed limitations and lack of knowledge in relation to the hazard assessment
(identification of critical effect in relation to tattooing and establishment of
DNEL/DMEL for the critical effects) for a number of the selected chemical
substances.

The limitations and the lack of knowledge in relation to the exposure

assessment for the selected chemical substances / substance groups in the
analysed tattoo inks, as well as in relation to the hazard assessment for a
number of the selected substances, imply that a valid risk characterisation
according to the REACH guidance documents (calculation of RCR) could
not be performed.

Overall, based on the current knowledge, it could not be evaluated whether

the selected chemical substances / substance groups would pose a health risk
following tattooing with tattoo inks containing the selected chemical
substances / substance groups as such, or containing other chemical
substances (pigments, coformulants, chemical impurities) from which the
selected chemical substances / substance groups might be released in the skin
following tattooing.

It should be noted that several case studies have described adverse reactions
among tattooed individuals who have been tattooed with several of the tattoo
inks analysed in this project.

Reactions to tattoos comprise immediate reactions and delayed reactions and

the clinical picture is rather manifold and not mono-morph. Therefore, the
reactions cannot be related to one single chemical substance or type of
substance, one single physical property or one single release mechanism.

That is confirmed by observing 8 cases. The pigments in the inks varied a lot
– only one pigment, CI 77891, recurred in 2 cases, possibly by pure chance.
The tattoo reaction could not be related to a certain pigment as characterised
by the CI number from the manufacturer.

The allergy test carried out on persons with a general allergy test panel and
with the tattoo ink that gave the particulate reaction had a negative result also
with regard to nickel and chrome. That indicates that allergic mechanism is
ordinary especially as the colours were concentrated, however, with the
reservation that tattoo inks are particulate and possibly coated and therefore
probably not suited for patch tests. Nickel or chrome allergy does not seem to
have any importance.

However, the person with a very severe reaction in the form of wounds with
necrosis in the skin in a red tattoo, had a serious reaction (3+ reaction) to the

13
patch test and analyses of PAA in the tattoo ink indicated that the red colorant
was of the azo type. This case should be examined more closely.

The cases confirm that reactions in red ink or red ink mixtures are frequent
and perhaps related to the content of azo colorant in some or other form that
cannot be read from the stated CI number or the declaration of contents on
the ink labels. The particulate form of the azo colorants, their possible coating
and other systematic conditions concerning the pigments, currently unknown,
can be especially important for the occurrence of a clinical reaction. Like local
metablism of azo colorant in the skin and its elimination it could become the
object of a future study.

These cases do not unambiguously point at one specific pigment that

according to documentation can or should be eliminated from tattoo inks.

14
15
Sammenfatning og konklusioner

I Danmark er antallet af professionelle tatovører steget, og det anslås, at 13 %

af den voksne befolkning, dvs. omkring 600.000 personer, er tatoverede.

Miljøstyrelsen gennemførte i 2002 et projekt om undersøgelse af farvestoffer i

tatoveringsfarver. Nærværende projekt er igangsat med det formål at få belyst,
hvilke tatoveringsfarver der i 2010 anvendtes af professionelle danske
tatovører, analysere indholdet af udvalgte stoffer og vurdere den eventuelle
sundhedsmæssige risiko ved tatovering.

Af kapitel 1 fremgår kortlægningen af tatoveringsfarver på det danske marked.

Formålet med kortlægningen har været ved interviews at identificere, hvilke
tatoveringsfarver der anvendes på det danske marked, og udvælge produkter
til analyse.

I alt ni tatovører er interviewet. De kontaktede tatovører har oplyst, hvilke

tatoveringsfarver de anvender og anslået den forholdsmæssige fordeling
mellem deres forbrug af seks hovedfarver - sort, rød, blå, grøn, gul og hvid.
Tatovørerne beskrev desuden fordeling af tatoverede på alder og køn.
3
Ud over de kontaktede tatovører er det via Dansk Tatovør Laug oplyst,
hvilke tatoveringsfarver/-serier medlemmerne anvender.

Af Table 0.1 fremgår en oversigt over, hvilke farveserier der er fremkommet

ved kortlægningen. Endvidere fremgår, hvor mange tatovører der har oplyst,
at de anvender de enkelte serier. En tatovør anvender typisk farver fra flere
end en serie.

Oplysninger fra medlemmer af Dansk Tatovør Laug (fra i alt 34 tatovører)

omfatter dog kun én serie pr. tatovør, idet disse alene har oplyst deres
foretrukne serie, se Table 0.2.

Tabel 0.1 Oversigt over anvendte tatoveringsfarver/-serier anvendt af de interviewede

tatovører
Farveserie Antal tatovører
Starbrite 6
Micky Sharpz 4
Eternal 4
Classic 2
Alla prima 2
MOM’s 2
Dermaglo 2
Dannys tattoo supplies 1
Silverback 1
Intenze 1
ONE 1
Dynamic 1

Tabel 0.2 Oversigt over foretrukne tatoveringsfarveserier for DTL-medlemmer

3
Dansk Tatovør Laug (DTL) har knap 50 medlemmer

16
Farveserie Antal tatovører
Intenze 26
Micky Sharpz 6
Starbrite 1
MOM’s 1

Samtlige interviewede tatovører oplyser, at den farve, der langt overvejende

anvendes, er sort. Sort anvendes til optegning af tatoveringen, til sort/hvid
tatoveringer og til skygger. De fleste af de interviewede tatovører nævner rød
som den næstmest anvendte tatoveringsfarve.

Der er mange mellem 18 og 30 år, der får foretaget tatoveringer, men

tatovørerne oplyser, at kunderne repræsenterer alle aldersgrupper - dog færre i
aldersgruppen over 50 år end under 50 år.

Flere og flere kvinder får udført tatoveringer. Flere tatovører oplyser, at de har
en lille overvægt af kvindelige kunder.

Der blev indkøbt i alt 65 tatoveringsfarver fra 10 forskellige farveserier. Af

disse blev der udvalgt følgende antal tatoveringsfarver til efterfølgende
analyser:
 61 tatoveringsfarver til analyse for metaller og andre grundstoffer
 5 tatoveringsfarver til analyse for carbon black
 6 tatoveringsfarver til analyse for indhold af phthalocyaniner
 19 tatoveringsfarver til analyse for udvalgte polycykliske aromatiske
hydrocarboner (PAH)
 19 tatoveringsfarver til analyse for udvalgte primære aromatiske
aminer (PAA) afspaltet fra azofarvestoffer
 30 tatoveringsfarver til analyse for p-phenylendiamin (PPD).

Af kapitel 2 fremgår den danske lovgivning samt europæiske tiltag på

området.

Der er i dag ingen særlig regulering af, hvilke kemiske stoffer der må anvendes
til tatoveringer. Tatoveringsfarver er kemiske produkter, som er omfattet af
både produktsikkerhedsloven og REACH og de dertil hørende begrænsninger
på en række kemiske stoffer. Desuden gælder blybekendtgørelsens regler for
kemisk bly. Tatoveringsfarver er ikke omfattet af lovgivningen om kosmetiske
produkter eller om lægemidler.

Tatoveringsfarver skal ligeledes overholde reglerne om mærkning og

klassificering, som gælder alle kemiske produkter, herunder i forhold til
indholdet af CMR-stoffer. Det betyder fx, at hvis en tatoveringsfarve
indeholder mere end 0,1 % af et kræftfremkaldende stof, må den ikke
anvendes til tatovering, med mindre det er anmeldt til arbejdstilsynet.

For 19 ud af de 65 indkøbte farver kunne der ikke fremskaffes

sikkerhedsdatatblade. I 10 tilfælde var der ikke overensstemmelse mellem de
pigmenter, som var angivet på embalagen og de pigmenter, der var angivet i
sikkerhedsdatabladet.

Europarådet, som ikke er en del af EU, og hvis resolutioner er at betragte som

forslag, angav i resolutionen ResAp (2008)1 specifikationer for
tatoveringsfarver, farvernes acceptable sammensætning, emballering,
mærkning, sterilitet mv. Resolutionen indeholder desuden en negativliste over

17
aromatiske aminer, der kunne være carcinogene eller mutagene, samt en liste
over tilladte metaller og sporstoffer med angiven maksimal tilladt
koncentrationer.

Af kapitel 3 fremgår eksponeringsscenarier, herunder hvorledes

tatoveringsfarven indføres i huden.

Tatoveringerne dækker i gennemsnit 2,5 % af hudoverfladen svarende til

arealet af 2½ håndflade for en person.

Ved tatovering føres tatoveringsfarven med et elektrisk vibrerende apparat fra

hudoverfladen ind i huden, hvor pigmentet langvarigt deponeres. Efter
installation i læderhuden fordeler pigmentet sig, idet det dels søger ud af
huden, men fanges under overhuden, dels søger ind i karrene og særligt
lymfekarrene, der dræner til lymfeknuderne. I lymfeknuderne findes ofte
tatoveringspigment, og tatovering af huden er indirekte en tatovering af
lymfeknuden, der dræner det tatoverede hudområde. I initialfasen efter
tatovering antages det ud fra studie i mus, at en større del af tatoveringsfarven
forsvinder ud af huden og bliver deponeret i lymfeknuden eller kommer i
systemisk cirkulation og sluttelig deponeres i andre væv, nedbrudt eller udskilt
af kroppen. Initialfasen følges af en årelang fase med langsom siven af
pigment ud af huden parallelt med, at tatoveringen evt. bleges synligt.
Fordeling og elimination af tatoveringspigment vil være forskellig for de
forskellige tatoveringsfarver. Forsøg i rotte har vist, at små partikler af typen
nanopartikler går direkte over i blodstrømmen, mens større partikler fanges i
lymfeknuder. Ud fra dette er den systemiske fordeling af pigment og
eksponering af andre organer, og dermed risikoprofil og elimination, afhængig
af partikelstørrelse af pigmentet ud over at være afhængig af de kemiske
egenskaber af farvestoffet. Mange tatoveringsfarver er nanopartikulære.

Hyppigheden af gener ved tatovering og egentlig hud komplikationer er ikke

opgjort. Ud fra den medicinske litteratur er raporter om dermatologiske
komplikationer dog ret sjældne. Der er rapporteret overførsel af infektioner
herunder HIV og hepatitis og specielle komplikcationer i form af lichenoide
reaktioner, pseudolymfomer og granulomatøse og sarkoidale reaktioner. Der
er rapporter hudcancer i form af basalcellecarcinomer og ondartet
modermærke, men set i forhold til den høje hyppighed af hudcancer i
baggrundsbefolkningen kan cancer i tatovering være et simplet statistisk
sammenfald, uden at tatoveringspigmentet har forårsaget udvikling af klinisk
hudcancer. Betydningen af pigment lejret i lymfekirtler i tæt kontakt med
immunsystemet og det bloddannende væv er ikke undersøgt.

Af kapitel 4 fremgår kemiske analyser, herunder metodebeskrivelser og

resultater.

Der er påvist en lang række forskellige metaller og andre grundstoffer i 61

tatoveringsfarver. Der er ikke påvist en sammenhæng mellem tatoveringsfarve
(kulør) og indhold af bestemte grundstoffer. Der er foretaget en
4
sammenligning af resultaterne med Europarådets ResAP(2008)1
anbefalinger for maksimale indhold af As, Ba, Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Sn
og Zn. Otte farver overskrider grænsen for barium, en farve overskrider
grænsen for cadmium, fire farver overskrider grænsen for bly, og en farve
overskrider grænsen for zink. Alle farver indeholder nikkel.
4
Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and
permanent make-up

18
Carbon black-indholdet er bestemt i en grå og fire sorte farver til hhv. 5.500
µg/g, 334.000 µg/g, 316.000 µg/g, 108.000 µg/g og 332.000 µg/g.

Phtalocyaniner er påvist i blå, grønne og lilla farver. De fire farver med det
højeste kobberindhold, blev brugt til beregning af phthalocyanine Blue 15:3.
Der er påvist de højeste indhold af phthalocyaniner i de blå farver, efterfulgt
af de grønne. Det højeste indhold er påvist i en blå farve, hvor indholdet af
phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 er estimeret til 189.000 µg/g.

Ved kvantitativ analyse for udvalgte polycykliske aromatiske hydrocarboner

(PAH) er der påvist indhold af PAH over 0,5 µg/g i 14 ud af de 19 undersøgte
tatoveringsfarver, hvor Europarådets ResAP(2008)1 anbefaler koncentration
på <0,5 µg/g (<0,5 ppm). Indholdet af PAH varierer både mht. koncentration
og hvilke PAH’er, der er til stedet. De højeste koncentrationer er fundet i
nogle sorte farver. Der er også fundet sorte farver på markedet, som ikke
indeholder PAH’er.

Der er ikke påvist p-phenylendiamin (PPD) i de 30 tatoveringsfarver, der blev

undersøgt herfor.

Der er påvist indhold af primære aromatiske aminer (PAA) i 20 ud af 30

undersøgte tatoveringsfarver. Europarådets ResAP(2008)1 anbefaler, at der
ikke er indhold af de påviste PAA. For fem af farverne er der påvist et så højt
indhold af PAA, at det kan tyde på, at disse fem farver indeholder et
azofarvepigment, som kan nedbrydes til PAA. I tre af disse farver er der påvist
o-anisidin. I de to andre farver er der påvist anilin og 4-Methyl-m-
phenylendiamin, men det har ikke været muligt inden for dette projekts
rammer at identificere de azofarver, som kan give anledning til disse
nedbrydningsprodukter. Der er registreret reaktioner i huden ved
tatoveringsfarver indeholdende de tre nævnte PAA. Det er ikke muligt ud fra
resultaterne for analyse af PAA at konkludere, at bestemte farver indeholder
specifikke PAA, da indholdet i farverne er meget forskellig både mht.
koncentration og mht., hvilke PAA der er påvist.

Den sundhedsmæssige vurdering (risikovurdering) består af en farevurdering,

en eksponeringsvurdering og en risikokarakterisering. I relation til tatovering,
hvor kemiske stoffer i tatoveringsfarver deponeres i huden, er den
sundhedsmæssige vurdering en vurdering af, hvorvidt et givent kemisk stof
deponeret i huden er forbundet med en sundhedsmæssig risiko. Vurderingen
omfatter lokale effekter i huden såvel som systemiske effekter, dvs. effekter,
der opstår i kroppens væv og organer efter optagelse af stoffet fra det
tatoverede hudområde.

Der er udvalgt 21 stoffer/stofgrupper til den sundhedsmæssige farevurdering:

otte grundstoffer, 10 aromatiske aminer, carbon black, PAH og
phthalocyaniner.

Farevurderingen dvs. identifikation af de(n) kritiske effekt(er) for de udvalgte

stoffer er dels baseret på EU-klassificeringen af stofferne i henhold til Annex I
i 67-Direktivet (Directive 67/548/EEC) såvel som IARC’s klassificering for
kræftfremkaldende effekt, dels på de kritiske effekter udpeget i udvalgte
nationale og internationale ekspertvurderinger. NOAEL/LOAEL er generelt
taget fra de udvalgte nationale og internationale ekspertvurderinger.

19
Kræftfremkaldende effekt er vurderet som den kritiske effekt i relation til
tatovering for PAH samt de 10 udvalgte PAA. For disse to stofgrupper (PAH
og PAA) er det vurderet, at der ikke er en nedre grænse (tærskel) for effekt,
hvorfor der ikke kan fastlægges DNEL. For en enkelt PAH (benz(a)pyren)
samt for to PAA (anilin og o-anisidin) er der angivet DMEL. For resten af
stofferne har det ikke været muligt at angive eller fastlægge DMEL på
baggrund af de tilgængelige data.

Sensibilisering er vurderet som en kritisk effekt i relation til tatovering for en

række af de udvalgte stoffer (aluminium, chrom, nikkel, anilin, p-chloranilin,
3,3’-dichlorbenzidin og 4-methyl-m-phenylendiamin). Disse stoffer er, med
undtagelse af aluminium, i EU klassificeret ’R43 – kan give overfølsomhed
ved kontakt med huden’. For de udvalgte stoffer er datagrundlaget ikke
tilstrækkeligt med henblik på vurdering af potens eller tærskelværdi, hvorfor
der ikke kan fastsættes en DNEL for sensibilisering.

For flere af de udvalgte stoffer er andre effekter end kræftfremkaldende effekt

og sensibilisering vurderet som den kritiske effekt i relation til tatovering:
Barium (effekter på hjerte-karsystemet), bly (effekter på nervesystemet hos
børn og det ufødte barn), cadmium (effekter på knogler og nyrer) og
phthalocyaniner (effekt på røde blodlegemer). For barium, cadmium og
phthalocyaner er der fastsat en DNEL. For bly kan der ikke fastsættes en
DNEL, da en nedre tærskel for den kritiske effekt af bly (effekterne på
nervesystemet hos børn og det ufødte barn) ikke er identificeret.

For enkelte stoffer (kobber, titanium (titandioxid) og carbon black) kunne

eventuelle kritiske effekt(er) i relation til tatovering ikke identificeres, hvorfor
der ikke kan fastsættes DNEL/DMEL for den eventuelle kritiske effekt.

Ved risikokarakteriseringen sammenholdes resultaterne af farevurderingen

(DNEL eller DMEL) med resultaterne af eksponeringsvurderingen, idet den
såkaldte risikokarakteriseringsratio (RCR) beregnes. RCR er således forholdet
mellem den beregnede eksponering og den fastsatte DNEL eller DMEL.
DNEL/DMEL fastsat for de kritiske (systemiske) effekter af de udvalgte
kemiske stoffer i de analyserede tatoveringsfarver er udtrykt i enheden ’mg/kg
legemsvægt per dag’. Den beregnede eksponering skal derfor udtrykkes i
samme enhed, for at RCR kan beregnes.

For at kunne udtrykke eksponeringen i form af en systemisk dosis udtrykt i

enheden ’mg/kg legemsvægt per dag’ er det nødvendigt at vide, hvor meget af
det stof, der deponeres i huden ved tatovering, som efterfølgende optages i
kroppen. Viden om optagelsen af et givent stof fra det tatoverede hudområde
er således en væsentlig del af den sundhedsmæssige vurdering af dette stof i
relation til tatovering.

Dette projekt har afdækket, at der mangler viden med henblik på at kunne
vurdere optagelse og transport af stoffer fra tatoverede hudområder til
kroppens væv og organer. Dette betyder, at det ikke er muligt med den
nuværende viden at foretage en regelret kvantitativ eksponeringsvurdering,
dvs. beregne en systemisk eksponering for de udvalgte kemiske stoffer i de
analyserede tatoveringsfarver. Hertil kommer, at der også mangler viden i
relation til farevurderingen for en række af de udvalgte kemiske stoffer.
Den manglende viden i relation til eksponeringsvurderingen for de udvalgte
kemiske stoffer i de analyserede tatoveringsfarver såvel som i relation til
farevurderingen for en række af de udvalgte stoffer betyder, at det ikke har

20
været muligt at foretage en regelret risikokarakterisering i henhold til REACH
vejledningerne, dvs. beregning af RCR.

På baggrund af den nuværende viden kan det således ikke vurderes, hvorvidt
de udvalgte kemiske stoffer /stofgrupper vil kunne udgøre en sundhedsmæssig
risiko ved tatovering med tatoveringsfarver, der indeholder de udvalgte stoffer
som sådan eller indeholder andre kemiske forbindelser, hvorfra de udvalgte
stoffer kan frigives i huden efter tatovering.

Det skal dog bemærkes, at der er flere cases, der beskriver patientreaktioner
efter tatovering med flere af de analyserede tatoveringsfarver.

Reaktioner på tatoveringer omfatter både straks-reaktioner og sen-reaktioner,

og det kliniske billede er relativt mangfoldigt og altså ikke mono-morft. Dette
taler for, at reaktionerne ikke kan relateres til et enkelt kemisk stof eller type af
stof, en enkelt fysisk egenskab eller en enkelt udløsningsmekanisme.

Dette bekræftes af observationer i otte cases. Pigmenterne i farverne udviste

stor variation – kun et pigment, CI 77891, gik igen i 2 cases, muligvis en
tilfældighed. Tatoveringsreaktion kunne ikke relateres til et bestemt pigment
som karakteriseret ved det af producenten angivne CI-nummer.

Allergitest (laptest) af personerne med et generelt allergitestpanel og med

tatoveringsfarven, der gav den enkelte reaktion, faldt negativt ud, også med
hensyn til nikkel og krom. Dette taler mod, at allergisk mekanisme er
almindelig, navnlig idet farverne blev anlagt koncentreret, dog med den
reservation, at tatoveringsfarver er partikulære og evt. coatede og dermed ikke
sikkert egnede til laptest. Nikkel eller kromallergi synes ikke at have betydning.

Personen med særlig kraftig reaktion i form af sår med nekrose i huden i rød
tatovering reagerede derimod kraftigt (3+ reaktion) ved laptest, og analyser af
PAA i tatoveringsfarven indikerede, at det røde farvestof var af typen
azofarvestof. Dette casus er et index casus egnet til dybere studium.

Cases bekræfter, at reaktion i rød farve eller røde blandingsfarver er hyppig og

muligvis relateret til indhold af azofarvestoffer under en eller anden form, der
ikke kan aflæses ud fra det angivne CI-nummer eller indholdsdeklaration på
farvernes emballage. Azofarvernes partikulære form, deres evt. coating og
andre systematiske forhold omkring disse pigmenter, p.t. ukendte, kan være
særligt betydningsfulde for, at klinisk reaktion opstår. Det kan ligesom den
lokale omsætning af azofarvestof i huden og eliminationen gøres til genstand
for fremtidigt studie.

Casene peger ikke entydigt på et bestemt pigment, der på et dokumenteret

grundlag kan eller bør søges elimineret fra tatoveringsfarver.

21
1 Survey

5
An increasing number of people get a tattoo . All of the tattooists who were
contacted in connection with this project concordantly informed that recent
years have demonstrated an increase in the number of tattoos that have been
made as well as in the number of tattooists. According to the tattooists who
were contacted, not only the number of professional tattooists has increased.
The number of amateur tattooists, the so-called “kitchen table tattooists”, has
also increased. In 2010, it was estimated that 13% of the Danish adult
population, i.e. around 600,000 people, has one or more permanent tattoos
(also refer to chapter 3 under exposure scenarios).

1.1 Objective of the survey

The objective of the survey was to:

 Identify which tattoo inks are used on the Danish market
 Select and purchase products for chemical analyses.

A short description of the related legislation appears in chapter 2, and section

1.5 gives an outline of previously completed literature surveys (with focus on
Germany, Switzerland and Sweden).

Finally, an assessment has been carried out of the labelling of the products on
the basis of whether or not the compounds in each purchased product are
recorded in Regulation no. 1272/2008 on Classification, Enclosure 6, part 3.
The results of the assessment appear in section 1.8.

1.2 Delimitation and definitions

1.2.1 Delimitation

The survey only covers tattoo inks used by professional tattooists. The tattoos
are made according to traditional methods where ink is injected into the skin
by means of a needle.

The survey does not cover ink used for semi-cosmetic tattoos.

Ink for non-permanent tattoos that are painted on the skin and that usually
disappear after a short period of time (”henna tattoos”) do not form part of
the investigation and neither do transferable “tattoos”, (frequently used by
children) where a picture is transferred to the skin.

5
www.berlingske.dk/danmark/tatoverings-boom-blandt-unge-danskere
www.politiken.dk/tjek/sundhedogmotion/levevis/561318/tatoveringer-er-blevet-
allemandseje/Lokalavisen

22
1.2.2 Definitions

There are different types of tattoos:

 Traditional, permanent tattoos made as self-imposed writing, symbol or
motif or made as permanent make-up where e.g. the eyebrows or lip
contours are permanently tattooed by injecting tattoo ink
intradermally (please also refer to the construction of the skin in
section 3.3.). Made by traditional tattooists.
 Semi-permanent tattoos, also called cosmetic tattoos where e.g.
eyebrows or lip contours are tattooed with ink that is intended to
disappear after some months. The ink is installed in the derma by
means of the same technique. Most frequently carried out by a
cosmetologist.
 ”Henna” tattoos. A traditional tattoo motif is painted with a brush on
the surface of the skin and it simulates a permanent tattoo. The ink is
exfoliated together with the spontaneous renewal of epidermis in a few
weeks and the ink does not go as far down as the derma. Most
frequently carried out at tourist resorts.
 Medical tattoos made within the framework of the health service, e.g. as
marker tattoo of a radiation field or as recreation of pigmentation
around the nipple after cancer surgery. Made in the same way as a
permanent tattoo by using the same technique and the same type of
ink as for a permanent tattoo. Made by doctors or professional
tattooists at the doctor’s risk.
 Tattoo stickers are tattoo images that stick on to the skin as a transfer
picture. Typically used by children and purchased in toyshops.

Tattoo ink is a product that is ready for use and used to make a tattoo, be it a
commercial product or a primitive ink.

Pigments are micro or nano particulate elements (crystals or particles),

typically constructed from a chemical single substance (colorant) that in
molecular form can be either dyed or undyed. It is the pigment that gives a
certain colour to the products sold as tattoo inks and it makes the tattoo
permanent.

Dissolvent, the so-called dispergent, is the medium in which tattoo inks or

pigments are dissolved or suspended and they condition the liquid consistency
of the tattoo ink.

Additives are chemical substances added to the tattoo ink and their specific
purpose is e.g. to preserve or adjust the consistency or tixotropy.

Coating agents are chemical substances used for surface treatment of the
pigments that form part of the tattoo ink.

Contaminants are chemical subtances of any kind or micro organisms that

unintentionally appear in the finished tattoo ink.

This report solely deals with permanent tattoos made by professional

tattooists and commercial tattoo inks purchased as finished products.

23
1.3 Procedure

The survey was carried out in September 2010.

In order to outline which tattoo inks currently are used by tattooists in

Denmark a number of professional tattooists were contacted – either by
telephone or at a personal meeting. The tattooists were asked which colour
series they use and how the consumption is distributed on each individual
colour (with weight on the main colours black, red, blue, green, yellow and
white).

A survey of tattoo colours has previously carried out: ”Danish Environmental

Protection Agency – Survey no. 2, 2002, Investigation of colorants in tattoo
inks”. A brief description of the results of the report appears in section 1.4.

In addition, the results from other studies appear in section 1.5. Information
from the studies serve as background for the choice of products that were
analysed in this report and for the choice of analysis programme.

In connection with all substances mentioned in the procured safety data

sheets, a search was carried out on the CAS no. stated in the list of hazardous
substances that can be found on the homepage of the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency and the result of the search was compared with the label on
6
the packaging and/or with the data safety sheet .

1.4 Results of survey no. 2, 2002

The objective of the investigation behind report no. 2, 2002 from the Danish
Environmental Protection Agency – “Investigation of colorants in tattoo inks”
- was to identify the pigments that at that time were used in tattoo inks on the
Danish market. The below is based on the content of that report.

It was the objective of the investigation to clarify which trades use ”pigment
colours” and to investigate which of the colours already had been assessed in
other connections.

During the investigation, traditional tattooists as well as cosmetic tattooists

were contacted in order to identify suppliers of tattoo inks that are used on the
Danish market. Subsequently, the suppliers were contacted for identification
of the pigments found in the tattoo inks.

Concerning the contact with traditional tattooists, the investigation showed

that all contacted tattooists (apart from one who made his own tattoo inks)
used tattoo inks that were made abroad.

The investigation showed a high degree of uniformity in the selection of

suppliers as the majority of the contacted tattooists mainly used tattoo inks
from one and the same supplier.

6
http://www.mst.dk/Virksomhed_og_myndighed/Kemikalier/Stoflister+og+databaser/
Listen+over+farlige+stoffer/Søgning+i+farlige+stoffer.htm

24
A total of 17 pigments were identified in the products about which
information had been obtained during the investigation. The pigments were
generally used, industrial pigments and they did not differ from what was
used in other trades. Inorganic pigments in the form of iron oxide or titanium
dioxide as well as organic pigments such as azo, phtalocyanine, acridine and
naphthol, besides carbon black were used. An outline of the identified
pigments appears in Enclosure A.

In the investigation from 2002, no assessment was carried out of the health
related risks of using the found pigments for tattooing purposes.

During the investigation, 53 tattooists were registered in Denmark. Through

interviews, the following suppliers of tattoo inks were identified:
 Custom Tattoo Suppliers
 Davis’s Tattooing Supplies
 Dermagraphics manufacturing & Supply Inc.
 Dynamic Color Co.
 Huck Spaulding Enterprice Inc.
 Mickey Sharpz Supplies Limitid
 National Tattoo Supply Inc.
 Robinson & Dixon
 Skin & Colors tattoo product
 Tattoo InKorporated Ltd.
 Tattoo-Shop.

In addition, it appears from the report that a widespread use of black ink took
place, though black ink is intended for and marketed for drawing and writing
purposes and though the suppliers specifically stress that the products are not
recommended for tattooing.

1.5 Results from other studies

1.5.1 General observations

Commercial tattoo inks consist of dry matter in the form of one or more
pigments that are crystals or grains in the size of 20-900 nanometer and of a
liquid carrier fluid that consists of i.a. water, alcohol and glycerine. In
addition, they consist of various additives such as preservatives and viscosity
creating substances.

Most frequently, the pigments are coloured because of their crystal or grain
structure. If they are broken down to chemical molecules they become
colourless and if they are metabolised in the skin, e.g. under the influence of
light, the tattoo will fade.

The pigments are industrial pigments from international suppliers and their
main sales are to the lacquer industry, leather industry, textile industry and
others.

As the tattoo inks are supposed to be lasting, i.e. permanent in the user
situation, they are in general hardly soluable and as mentioned in crystalline
form.

25
One study demonstrated that the colorant in a red tattoo ink had a low
chemical degree of purity, app. 80 %. That might be typical for tattoo inks, as
the raw material is industrially produced and the purity control has not been
documented. Therefore, an unknown amount of related or unrelated chemical
compounds might exist in a tattoo ink in addition to the declared colorant
7
stated with a CAS number or a Colour index number .

A number of tattoo inks are secondary colours with several pigments and
titanium dioxide is often used as lightener. It is visible that secondary colours
can segment on standing. The dry matter content in tattoo ink is in average 47
8
% calculated as the weight percentage (span 31-62 %) .

The carrier fluid can contain preservatives and substances that contribute with
viscosity and tixotropy as well as inorganic and organic residue from
production.

Substances apart from the pigment are normally not stated on the label or in
the data sheet of the product and therefore they are unknown although they
can form a substantial part of the dry matter content of a colour.

In addition to the chemical substance, the way crystallization takes place is

vital to the shape and size of the crystals and to a great extent also to the
colour. The crystal shapes can vary for a given chemical substance. It is
unknown to which degree the crystals/particles have been treated with a
coating agent.

It has not been possible to find out which additives are included in the
production of tattoo inks and which contaminents might be provided through
the production process. Finally, it is unknown under which sterility conditions
the production and further processing of commercial tattoo inks take place.

In recent decades, the composition of tattoo inks has undergone considerable

changes and is now dominated by synthetic, chemical substances such as azo
9
colorants and thalocyanines .

A widespread use of titanium dioxyde and coal still takes place in the shape of
carbon black, while colours such as ochre (iron oxides mixed with clay),
mercury, chrome, cadmium and manganese are suppressed.

1.5.2 Specific investigations

10
A German study from 1988 defined 41 commercial tattoo inks and
demonstated a content of substances such as cadmium, chrome, cobalt,
mercury and aluminium besides titanium dioxide (anastase and rutile form)
and organic colorants.

Another German study from 2000 of 41 tattoo inks demonstrated a content of

16 different synthetic substances within the groups of azo colorants,

7
Engel, modern tat cause, contact dermatitis 2007
8
Bispebjerg Hospital, unpublished data
9
Schmidt H. Tatoveringer. Kulturhistoriske, kunstneriske og medicinske aspekter.
Løvens Kemiske Fabrik 1967; Nordstrøm J. Dansk Tatovering. Nordstrom, 2009.
ISBN 978-87-993150-0-0
10
Lehmann G et Pierchalla P. Tätovierungsfarbstoffe. Derm Beruf Umvelt
1988;36:152-56

26
thalocyanines and others, and titanium dioxide was found as lightener, both in
11
anastase and rutile crystaline form . The chemical analysis was difficult due
to the poor solubility of the substances. The crystal size varied from between
20 and 900 nanometers, i.e. with content of nanoparticles. The investigation
did not comprise black pigments.

An American study from 2001 of 29 tattoo inks from the supplier Huck
Spaulding Enterprises Inc. and of China ink (carbon black) especially
investigated the content of inorganic elements by means of the radio
diffraction method that determines all substances in the sample with an
12
atomic weight above 11 .

The following content was found in the samples: aluminium 87 %,

oxygen/oxides 73 %, titanium 67 %, chlorine 29 %, iron 15 %, silicium 12 %,
copper 12 % and substances such as magnesium and sulphur in less than 10
% of the samples. Chrome was found in one single sample. Cadmium, cobalt,
mercury and lead were not found during the analysis.

In another American study carried out by FDA in 2004, 7 yellow tattoo inks
from commercial suppliers were analysed. The monoazo pigment Yellow 74
appeared frequently. The pigment was subject to a light chemical change
when exposed to light, including sunlight of photodecomposition with the
13
creation of a number of new chemical substances .

In an Italian study from 2009, 56 samples of tattoo ink from 4 suppliers,

14
including the colours called Starbrite, were analysed for content of metals .

The dominating metals were aluminium, barium, copper and iron. Metals
such as cadmium, manganese, lead, antimony (Sb) and vanadium exceeded 1
µg/g. Metals that can cause allergy at a defined concentration exceeding 1 µg/g
were found: chrome, nickel and cobalt in 63, 16 and 2 %, respectively, of the
samples - chrome having the highest concentration.

In a German study from 2009, carried out by Bundesministerium für

Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz (carried out in the light of
the implementation of the regulation in the field of tattooing in Germany that
came into effect on 1 May 2009), the metal content and preservative content
was investigated in 148 commercial tattoo inks. The samples showed a large
content of copper, iron, chrome and zinc and a smaller amount of tin, lead,
15
manganese, selenium, arsenic, thallium, mercury and uranium .

6.7 % of the samples showed a content of preservative (23 substances were

tested). The dominating preservatives were benzoic acid, benzoisothiazolone,
metylisothiazoline and octylthiazolone.

11
Baumler W et al. Q-switch laser and tattoo pigments: first results of the chemical
and photophysical analysis of 41 compounds. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
2000;26:13-21
12
Anthony L et al. In vitro quantitative chemical analysis of tattoo pigments. Arch
Dermatol 2001;137:143-47
13
Cui Y et al. Photodecomposition of pigment yellow 74, a pigment used in tattoo
inks. Photochemistry and Photobiology 2004;80:175-84
14
Forte G et al. Market survey on toxic metals contained in tattoo inks. Science of the
Total Environment 2009; 407:5997-6002
15
www.aktionsplan-allergien.de

27
In a report from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) from
2009, 152 tattoo ink samples were collected by inspectors from 55 tattooists
and they were analysed and assessed with regard to compounds, preservation
and microbiology, and only 36 % of the samples were acceptable according to
the Swiss standard for compounds in tattoo inks, while a large number were
criticizable or subject to bans, most frequently due to content of non-
16
permitted type or amount of pigment or preservative .
As of 1 January 2006, with a transition period of 2 years, Switzerland
introduced the rules for tattoo inks according to the RESAP 2003
recommendation of the Council of Europe in a modified version.

Literature after year 2000 demonstrates the following:

In the chemical determination of the content of tattoo inks, synthetic pigments

such as azo colorants and pthalocyanines are in the lead together with carbon
black and titanium dioxide, both in anastase and rutile form, the two known
crystals of titanium dioxide.

Ferrous pigment still plays a part, but certain older types of pigment such as
cadmium and mercury seem displaced. Aluminium exists in many colours for
tattooing and many tracers also exist.

Potentially sensitizing metals, especially chrome, still form part of the colours.

Few tattoo inks contain preservatives.

Due to physical and chemical complexity, including crystalline form and poor
solubility of the chemical compounds, the tattoo inks are difficult to define
analytically.

1.6 Result of survey – interviews 2010

A total of nine tattooists were contacted and interviewed. Some at a personal

meeting and others by telephone.

All of the contacted tattooists were helpful and favourably disposed towards
the actual investigation and in addition they were interested in getting the
applied tattoo inks analysed. The contacted tattooists were all preoccupied
with ensuring that the colours they use do not cause allergy, allergic reactions
or any other adverse events to their customers.

The contacted tattooists have informed which colour series/brands/suppliers

they use and they have estimated the proportional distribution between their
consumption of 6 main colours – black, red, blue, green, yellow and white.
They also informed the distribution by age and sex of the tattooed persons.

In addition to the contacted tattooists, Danish Tattooist Guild (Dansk Tatovør

17
Laug) has informed which colour series/brands the members use.

The contacted tattooists informed that they had very few or no cases of
allergy/ allergic reactions among their customers. One of the interviewed

16
www.foph-report_tattoo-colours_control-campain
17
Danish Tattooist Guild, (Dansk Tatovør Laug, DTL) has almost 50 members

28
tattooists informed that he had experienced a total of six allergic reactions in
the course of 20 years and all cases were connected with the use of red ink.

Another tattooist informed that he had seen some cases of severe allergic
reactions when a specific red colour had been used.

1.6.1 Applied tattoo inks

Table 1.1 gives an outline of which colour series appeared from the survey. In
addition, it appears how many tattooists use the relevant series. A tattoist
typically uses ink from more than one series.

However, information from the members of the Danish Tattooist Guild,

DTL, (a total of 34 tattooists) only comprises one series per tattooist as they
solely have informed their preferred series, see Table 1.2.

Table 1.1 Outline of applied tattoo ink series used by the interviewed tattooists
Colour series Number of tattooists
Starbrite 6
Micky Sharpz 4
Eternal 4
Classic 2
Alla Prima 2
MOM’s 2
Dermaglo 2
Dannys Tattoo Supplies 1
Silverback 1
Intenze 1
ONE 1
Dynamic 1

Table 1.2 Outline of tattoo ink series preferred by DTL members

Colour series Number of tattooists
Intenze 26
Micky Sharpz 6
Starbrite 1
MOM’s 1

Some of the tattooe inks identified in this investigation were also registered in
the investigation from 2002 (see section 1.4).

The tattoo inks that are used in Denmark are predominantly imported,
finished products that are manufactured abroad. The tattooists often purchase
the inks directly from a foreign supplier via the internet.

An attempt was made to localise the manufacturers of tattoo inks through

searches on the suppliers’ homepages and through direct contact to the
suppliers. An attempt was made to localise the manufacturers in order to
procure safety data sheets when that had not been possible during contact
with the suppliers.

1.6.2 Distribution of applied inks

All interviewed tattooists informed that black is the predominant ink. Black is
used to draw up the tattoo, for black/white tattoos and to make shadows.
Some tattooists informed that they use between two and four times as much
black tattoo ink as the other colours and other tattooists inform that they use
up to 10 times as much black as the other colours.

29
Most of the interviewed tattooists stated red to be the tattoo ink they use
second-most. Subsequently, it is individual if blue or green is used the most.
Yellow was not mentioned at all by the interviewed tattooists, but white is
used to a certain degree i.a. to mix shades of the other applied colours.

1.6.3 Tattoos – age and sex

Several of the interviewed tattooists informed that quite a few young people
want a tattoo as soon as they turn 18. Many people between 18 and 30 get a
tattoo; however, the tattooists state that the customers represent all age groups
– however, there are less customers in the age group exceeding 50 years than
under 50 years.

More and more women get a tattoo. Several tattooists informed that they have
a small majority of female customers. Women often choose tattoos that are
smaller and they are made in places that easily can be covered up. However,
an increasing amount of women get large tattoos – e.g. covering the entire
back.

The first tattoo is often limited in size and located somewhere that is not too
visible.

Currently, sleeve tattoos are very popular among men. It takes between 25
and 100 hours to get a tattoo that covers most of the arm depending on how
detailed it is.

1.7 Purchased products

Table 1.3 shows the products that were selected for purchase.

The tattoo inks were purchased from European suppliers. At first, some
foreign suppliers refused to sell their products to customers abroad, which
caused a long time of delivery because the suppliers first of all had to obtain
permission to sell the products. Other suppliers refused to sell products to
non-professional tattooists.

When purchasing the inks, safety data sheets concerning the purchased inks
were requested. However, not all foreign suppliers and manufacturers
responded to the inquiry for safety data sheets though a reminder had been
sent. Therefore, it has not been possible to procure safety data sheets for all
tattoo inks. That is why we additionally have looked for safety data sheets on
the internet, e.g. on www.painfulpleasures.com.

Some safety data sheets do not supply all the desired information, e.g. the
tattoo colorant or there is no information about the concentration of the
pigments. In the light of our contact with tattooists it is our impression that
tattooists normally are not acquainted with or do not ask for safety data sheets.

A total of 65 tattoo inks were purchased from 10 different colour series

distributed as follows:
 11 black
 12 red
 10 green
 8 blue

30
  6 white
 8 yellow
 3 orange
 3 peach
 3 violet
 1 brown

The purchased colour series and inks were selected according to the
following:
 The four series that most tattooists use, see Table 1.1 and Table 1.2.
 A majority of black and red inks were purchased as they according to
the interviews that were carried out are the inks that are used most
frequently.
 During the interviews, the tattooists mentioned some specific shades
within the colours black, red, blue, green, yellow, white, peach and
orange which they use a lot. A number of those colours were
purchased.
 A black colour was chosen as it according to a supplier is sold to
tattooists though it is specified on the internet that it is not tattoo ink.
 Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology, has registered a
number of tattoo inks that are related to reactions in the skin. In
addition, descriptions have been found on the internet concerning
reactions in the skin from two specific colours and one tattooist has
also mentioned one specific colour. It has been possible to identify
nine of the colours and to purchase them from suppliers of tattoo ink.
The nine purchased colours are marked with ”*” at ”Colour no.” in
Table 1.3. See detailed description of tattoo inks registered in
connection with skin reactions in Chapter 5.

In Enclosure B, there is a table showing the purchased tattoo inks organised

according to colour, stating which pigments they contain. The information
about the pigments are copies of the information on the label and on the
safety data sheets. Concordance does not exist in all cases between the
pigments stated on the label and the pigments stated in the safety data sheets.

Most pigments in Enclosure B belong to one of the following pigment groups:

azo colorants, phthalocyanines, acridines, carbon black or inorganic pigment
(titanium dioxide).

The reason why certain colours were selected for analysis appears from
section 1.10.

Table 1.3 Purchased tattoo inks

Ink no. Colour Safety data sheet Caption on label
1 Red No Synthetic pigment, anionic
surfactant, non-ionic sufatant,
humectants, preservatives
2 Black No Synthetic pigment, anionic
surfactant, non-ionic sufatant,
humectant, preservatives
3 Black General safety data CI# 77266, Pigment, glycerine,
sheet for the series alcohol, preservative
4 White ** CI# 77891, Pigment, glycerine,
alcohol, preservative
5 Red ** CI# 12475, Pigment, glycerine,
alcohol, Isopropanol, polyether,
anti foam

31
Ink no. Colour Safety data sheet Caption on label
6 Pale ** CI# 77891 CI# 74260
green Pigment, glycerine, alcohol,
preservative
7 Dark ** CI# 77891 CI# 74160
green CI# 13980 CI# 21108, Pigment,
glycerine, alcohol, preservative
8 Blue ** CI# 77891 CI# 74160, Pigment,
glycerine, alcohol, preservative
9 Yellow ** CI# 21160 CI# 21108, CI#13980
Pigment, glycerine, alcohol,
preservative
10 Grey ** Pigment number: 77266
Pigment, glycerine, alcohol,
preservative
11 Black Yes CI# 77226, Alcohol, glycerine
12 Black No CI# 77226, Alcohol, glycerine
13 Dark Yes CI# 74260, Alcohol, glycerine
green
14 White Yes CI# 77891, Alcohol, glycerine
15 Blue Yes CI# 77891 CI# 74160, Alcohol,
glycerine
16 Pale Yes CI# 11741 CI# 74260, Alcohol,
green glycerine
17 Red Yes CI# 12477, Alcohol, glycerine
18* Red Yes CI# 12390, Alcohol, glycerine
19 Yellow Yes CI# 11741, Alcohol, glycerine
20 Orange No CI# 12477 CI# 77491, Glycol, rubbing
alcohol 99 %
21 Peach No CI# 12477 CI# 77891, CI# 11741
Glycol, rubbing alcohol 99 %
22 White Yes CI# 77891, glycerin, isopropanol
23 Black Yes CI# 77226, glycerin, isopropanol
24* Red Yes CI# 73915 CI# 21110, CI# 77891 CI#
12477, glycerin, isopropanol
25 Blue Yes CI# 77891 CI# 74160, Glycerine,
witch hazel
26 Pale Yes CI# 11740 CI# 74160, CI#11740 CI#
green 77891, glycerin, isopropanol
27 Yellow Yes CI# 11740 CI# 77891
Proprietary, glycerin, isopropanol
28 Orange Yes CI# 11740 CI# 77891, CI#21110
glycerin, isopropanol
29 Peach Yes CI# 77891 CI# 73915, CI# 21110
Glycerine, witch hazel /
isopropanol, glycerine
30 Black No
31 Dark No CI# 77266 CI# 12490, Glycerin,
green isopropyl
32 Blue No CI# 77266 CI# 77891, CI#12485 CI#
74260, Glycerin, isopropyl
33 Red No CI# 12485 CI# 12490, CI# 77266
Glycerin, isopropyl
34 Red Yes CI# 12477 CI# 11740, CI#21110
glycerin, isopropanol
35* Violet Yes CI# 73900, glycerin, isopropanol
36* Yellow Yes CI# 21108 CI# 77891
Alcohol, glycerine
37* Violet No CI# 15880 CI# 74160, CI# 77891
CI#74260, Alcohol, glycerine
38 Blue No CI# 74160 CI# 77891
Isopropyl, alcohol
39 Red No CI# 12475 CI# 77891
Isopropyl, alcohol
40 Yellow No CI# 11741 CI# 77891
Isopropyl, alcohol
41 Green No CI# 74260 CI# 21110 CI# 77891
Isopropyl, alcohol
42 Black No CI# 77266, Isopropyl, alcohol

32
Ink no. Colour Safety data sheet Caption on label
43 Black General safety data
sheet for series with
no specification of
content
44 Pale ***
green
45 Blue ***
46 White ***
47 Yellow ***
48* Red ***
49* Red ***
50 Violet ***
51 Black No
52 White No
53* Red No
54 Yellow No
55 Green No
56 Blue No
57* Brown No
58 Black Yes Glycerine CI# 77226
59 White Yes Glyserine CI# 77891
60 Green Yes Glycerine CI# 12075, 77891, 77226,
21095
61 Yellow Yes Glycerine CI# 21095, 12075, 77891
62 Blue Yes Glycerine CI# 74260, 77891, 74160
63 Red Yes Glycerine CI# 12475
64 Peach Yes Glycerine, alcohol CI# 77891, 12075,
65 Orange Yes Glycerin, alcohol CH# 21160, 20195,
12475
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions
** See text for ink no. 3
*** See text for ink no. 43

1.8 Executive Order on cosmetics

On the basis of the information about the CAS no. from the data sheets or the
text on the labels it has been investigated if the tattoo colorants (pigments) are
stated as being permitted or not permitted in the Executive Order on
Cosmetics, Executive Order no. 422 of 4 May 2006, see Table 1.4.

Pigment Orange 5 is not permitted and is stated in the safety data sheet of
three tattoo inks from the same colour series (colour no. 60, 61 and 64).
Pigments belonging to the application area 4 are colorants that solely are
permitted in cosmetic products intended for brief skin contact only. The
matter concerns Pigment Yellow 83 (ink no. 7, 26 and 36 ), Pigment Red 122
(ink no. 24, 29 and 35) and Pigment Violet 19 (ink no. 35) – the stated ink
numbers belong to three different colour series. Ink no. 24, 35, 36 are
registered in connection with skin reactions, see chapter 6.

No information exists about the concentration of these pigments in the safety

data sheets or in the text on the label. Determination of the concentration of
these pigments does not form part of this project.

33
Table 1.4 Pigments found in the executive order on cosmetics
Pigment name CAS no. Used in Permitted/not Areas of Type of
colour permitted application pigment
Tianium dioxide 13463-67-7 White, Permitted 1 Inorganic
green, red, pigment
blue, yellow,
orange,
violet
Pigment Green 7 / 1328-53-6 Green, blue, Permitted 2 Phthalocyanine
Phthalocyanine violet
Green 7
Phthalocyanine 147-14-8 Green, blue, Permitted 1 Phthalocyanine
Blue 15:3 / Pigment violet
Blue 15
Pigment Yellow 83 5567-15-7 Green, Permitted 4 Azo colorant
yellow
Pigment black 7 1333-86-4 Green, red, Permitted 1 Carbon black
blue, black
Pigment Red 5 6410-41-9 Green, red Allowed 1 Azo colorant
Pigment Orange 5 3468-63-1 Green, Not Azo colorant
yellow, permitted
peach
Pigment red 122 980-26-7 Red, peach, Permitted 4 Acridine
violet
Pigment Red 101 CI# 77491 Orange Permitted 1 Inorganic
pigment
Pigment Violet 19 1047-16-1 Violet Permitted 4 Acridine
Pigment Red 63:1 6417-83-0 Violet Permitted 1 Azo colorant

Explanation of Table 1.4, Areas of Application:

1. Colorants permitted in all cosmetic products.
2. Colorants permitted in all cosmetic products with the exception of
cosmetic products to be used around the eyes, especially eye makeup
and cleansers for that purpose.
3. Colorants solely permitted in cosmetic products that are not intended
for contact with the mucous membranes.
4. Colorants solely permitted in cosmetic products intended for brief skin
contact.

1.9 Classification Order no. 1272/2008

A search was carried out on the CAS no. referred to in the list of dangerous
18
substances on all substances stated in the safety data sheets or on the labels.
All pigments with a CAS no. are shown in Enclosure B.
All in all, only one substance, classified in the list of dangerous substances,
was found. The matter concerns isopropyl alcohol F;R11 XI;R36 R67.

That substance typically forms part of most products for which it has been
possible to procure safety data sheets. The concentration of the substance is
below the limit of max. 20 % with the requirement to mark the product as
causing local irritation.

18
Executive Order no. 329, 2002 on classification, packagaing, labelling, sale and
storage of chemical substances and products.
http://www.mst.dk/Virksomhed_og_myndighed/Kemikalier/Stoflister+og+databaser/L
isten+over+farlige+stoffer/Søgning+i+farlige+stoffer.htm

34
Please note that Danish safety data sheets ought to have been prepared for the
products that are imported or resold to the tattoo industry (tattooists). It has
not been possible to procure such data sheets.

1.10 Choice of chemical analyses and tattoo inks for analysis

This section describes the criterion for choice of chemical analyses and
criterion for which tattoo inks have been chosen for the various analyses.
Chapter 4 describes the chemical analyses and results.

1.10.1 Metals and other elements

There is no or only limited information in the safety data sheets of tattoo inks
concerning the content of metals and other elements.

In the safety data sheets of three of the purchased tattoo inks (ink no. 38, 39
and 42, blue, red and black, respectively) belonging to the same colour series
a content of the following elements and metals is specified: Ba, Cu, Ni, Pb,
Sn, Zn and Cr. A general safety data sheet for another colour series (ink no.
43-50, black, green, blue, white, yellow, two red and violet, respectively)
specifies that the tattoo inks have been tested for selected heavy metals (<1
ppm).

On the homepage http://ctl-tattoo.eu there is a data base of tattoo inks and

permanent makeup products, which have been tested according to ResAP
19
(2008)1 of the Council of Europe, and a number of recommended, maxium,
permitted element concentrations in tattoo inks are stated, see Table 1.5.
20
In a Swedish report called ”Farliga ämnen i tatueringsfärger” various tattoo
inks were tested for i.a elements. Some of the elements were demonstrated in
concentrations exceeding the values that also are stated in Table 1.5. The
colours were black, red, orange, violet, blue, green and yellow.

Table 1.5 Max. permitted concentrations of elements according to the ResAP (2008)1 of
the Council of Europe
Element µg/g (ppm)
Arsenic (As) 2
Barium (Ba) 50
Cadmium (Cd) 0.2
Cobalt (Co) 25
Chromium (Cr) (VI) 0.2
Copper (Cu), dissolvable 25
Mercury (Hg) 0.2
Nickel (Ni)1 As low as technically possible
Lead (Pb) 2
Selenium (Se) 2
Antimony (Sb) 2

19
Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and
permanent make-up (superseding Resolution ResAS(2003)2 on tattoos and
permanent make-up)
20
Farliga ämnen I tatueringfärger. Utredning av tellsynsansvar samt behov av
ytterligare reglering – rapport från ett regeringsupdrag som utförts i samråd med
Läkemedelsverket, Socialstyrelsen och Konsumentverket. Kemikalieinspektionen, juni
2010.

35
Element µg/g (ppm)
Tin (Sn) 50
Zinc (Zn) 50
1
The resolution recommends that it must be stated on the label if the tattoo ink
contains nickel.

In this project, 61 tattoo inks were selected among the 65 purchased inks for
analysis of metals and selected elements in order to investigate if there is a
correlation between the colours and the content of elements and to compare
them with the limits stated in Table 1.5. All of the purchased colour shades
and colour series are represented.

Colour no. 52, 54, 55 and 56 were not chosen as they belong to a colour series
that the interviewed tattooists do not use. The colours were solely purchased
because they are sold as a package deal with two tattoo inks that are registered
in connection with skin reactions (colour no. 53 and 57).

1.10.2 Carbon black

The safety data sheets and the labels of the black tattoo colours state that
carbon black is used as pigment in seven of the 11 purchased tattoo inks, see
Enclosure B. There is no indication of how much carbon black exists in each
tattoo ink. This project analysed the content in five black tattoo inks (ink no.
10, 12, 23, 30 and 43).

Among the five selected inks, three were chosen because they form part of the
most frequently used colour series (ink no. 12, 23 and 43). One ink was
chosen because it is a brighter shade of black (grey, ink no. 10) and it is used
by one of the interviewed tattooists. It is expected that the grey tattoo colour
will demonstrate a lower content of carbon black. The final colour is a black
ink that is sold to tattooists, but the supplier’s internet page states that it is not
a tattoo ink (colour no. 30). In connection with the grey (ink no. 10) and two
of the black inks (ink no. 12 and 23) it is stated on the label of the tattoo inks
that they contain carbon black.

1.10.3 Phthalocyanines

The labels or safety data sheets of 18 inks state that they contain
phthalocyanines (Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 and Phthalocyanine Green 7), see
Enclosure B. Seven green (ink no. 6, 7, 13, 16, 26, 41, 60), six blue (ink no.
8, 15, 25, 32, 38, 62) and one violet ink (ink no. 37) are in question.

Six tattoo inks (ink no. 31, 35, 44, 45, 50, 60) were selected for analysis, and
neither the labels nor the safety data sheets state whether or not they contain
phthalocyanines. Green, blue or violet colours were selected because as
previously mentioned similar tattoo colours contain phthalocyanines. The
colours were selected among the most frequently used tattoo series. One
colour (ink no. 35) was registered in connection with skin reactions, see
section 1.7.
4 tattoo colours were selected as the analyses for elements demonstrated a
high content of copper and according to the safety data sheets there is a
content of phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 and no other phthalocyanines (selected
among ink no. 7, 8, 15, 25, 38, 62, see Enclosure B). An estimate of the
content of phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 was carried out on these tattoo inks in
the light of the measured copper concentration.

36
1.10.4 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

The ResAP (2008)1 of the Council of Europe recommends a maximum

permitted concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in tattoo
inks of 0.5 ppm, however, 5 ppb for benzene-a-pyrene (BaP). In a recently
21
published investigation , a content of PAH was demonstrated in a number of
black tattoo inks that contain carbon black.

Carbon black can be used to darken other colours and therefore a content of
carbon black and related PAH in other shades than black can be expected.
According to the safety data sheets, ink no. 31, 32, 33 and 60 (in the colours
green, red and blue) contain carbon black. The Swedish report ”Farliga
ämnen i tatueringsfärger” has reported the discovery of PAH in orange, violet
and blue colours.

A total of 19 tattoo inks were selected for analysis of PAH (ink no. 2, 3, 10,
11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 30, 42, 43, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51, 58). The selected
tattoo colours are black, orange, violet, blue and red, as the most frequently
used colour series are represented.

Analyses were carried out for the following PAH, which form part of ResAP
(2008)1 of the Council of Europe: naphthalene, acenaphthylene,
acenaphtene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene,
benz(a)anthracene, chrysene, benz(b)fluorathene, benz(k)fluoroanthene,
benz(a)pryene, indeno(1,2,3)pyrene, dibenz(ah)anthracene and
benz(ghi)perylene.

1.10.5 Primary aromatic amines (PAA) liberated from azo colorants

In ResAP (2008)1 of the Council of Europe a number of primary aromatic

amines (PAA) are stated. They should not exist in tattoo inks and should not
emerge when liberated from azo colorants.

The Swedish report ”Farliga ämnen i tatueringsfärger” has reported the

discovery of PAA in orange, red, yellow, green and brown colours.
19 tattoo colours were selected for analysis of PAA liberated from azo
colorants (ink no. 1, 5, 7, 18, 20, 24, 26, 27, 35, 36, 37, 44, 45, 48, 49, 53,
57, 60, 65). The colours are red, green, blue, yellow, violet, orange and
brown. Emphasis was placed on selecting tattoo colours where it is unknown
which pigments the tattoo inks contain and on selecting the most frequently
used tattoo colours (red, green and blue) among the most frequently used
colour series, see table 1-1 and table 1-2. In addition, tattoo inks connected
with skin reactions were selected, see section 1.7 (ink no. 18, 24, 35, 36, 37,
48, 49, 53, 57).

Analyses were carried out on the following PAA that form part of ResAP
22
(2008)1 of the Council of Europe and DS/EN 14362-1 : aniline, 4-
aminobiphenyl, benzidine, 4-chlor-o-toluidine, 2-naphthylamine, 5-nitro-o-
toluidine, p-chloraniline, 4-methoxy-m-phenylendiamine, 4,4'-
methylendianiline, 3,3'-dichlorbenzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 3,3'-
dimethylbenzidine, 3,3'-dimethylendianiline, 6-methoxy-m-toluidine, 4,4,'-

21
Tattoo inks contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocabons that additionally generate
deleteriuous singlet oxygen, Experimental Dermatology 2010;19:e275-e281
22
DS/EN 14362-1 Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines liberated
from azo colorants and pigments

37
methylenbis(2-chloraniline), 4,4'-oxydianiline, 4,4'-thiodianiline, o-toluidine,
4-methyl-m-phenylendiamine, 2,4-5-Trimethylaniline, o-anisidine and 2,4-
xylidine/2,6-xylidine. In addition, content of p-phenylendiamine was
determined, see section 1.10.6.

Black is the most frequently used tattoo colour, but was not chosen as
literature, see section 1.5, and the safety data sheets state that carbon black
and not azo colorant is used. The black inks were analysed for content of free
PAA in connection with the analysis for PPD, see section 1.10.6.

The PAA analysis determines the total content of PAA which was liberated
from azo colorants during the analysis, residue from the production of azo
colorant as well as PAA added to the product to give colour (the two last-
mentioned are in the report described as ”free PAA”). That means that the
result will be a total of residues/added PAA (”free PAA”) and PAA liberated
from azo colorants.

1.10.6 p-Phenylendiamine (PPD)

p-Phenylendiamine (PPD) is stated in ResAP (2008)1 of the Council of

Europe concerning substances that are undesirable in tattoo inks because they
might be carcinogenic. PPD is a primary aromatic amine (PAA) that i.a. is
used in black henna tattoos and in hair dyes to darken the colour and it can
23, 24
give allergic reactions .
24 tattoo colours were selected for analysis of PPD (ink no. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13,
15, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 43, 45, 48, 49, 50, 53, 57). Mainly
dark colours were selected (black, red, blue, green, orange, violet), colours
where pigments are not informed and colours from the most frequently used
colour series, see table 1-1 and table 1-2. In addition, tattoo inks were chosen
that had been registered in connection with skin reactions, see section 1.7 (ink
no. 18, 24, 35, 36, 37, 48, 49, 53, 57).

As PPD is a primary aromatic amine (PAA), the analysis for PAA liberated
from azo colorants, see section 1.10.5, will also determine possible content of
PPD. Therefore, six other tattoo colours will be examined for PDD (ink no.
1, 8, 26, 27, 44, 60, 65).

A total of 30 tattoo colours were examined for content of PPD.

23
”Hair dye, including bleeching agents, the Danish Environmental Protection
Agency, Cosmetics guide”
http://www.mst.dk/Borger/Kemikalier/Kosmetikguiden/V%C3%A6lg+et+produkt/020
10700.htm
24
Kommissionens direktiv 2009/130/EF af 12. oktober 2009 om ændring af Rådets
direktiv 76/768/EØF om kosmetiske midler med henblik på tilpasning af bilag III til
den tekniske udvikling (EØS-relevant tekst). EU-Tidende nr. L 268 af 13/10/2009 s.
0005 - 0008

38
This analysis for PPD also determines the content of PAA, which can be
added to the product to give a colour or be residue from the production of azo
colorants. In the report, this group is described as “free PAA”. The analysis
cannot quantify the content of PAA liberated from azo colorant apart from
break-down products.

1.10.7 Summary of analysis program

The following number of tattoo inks were selected for the various analyses:
 61 tattoo inks to be analysed for metals and other elements
 5 tattoo inks to be analysed for carbon black
 6 tattoo inks to be analysed for content of phthalocyanines
 19 tattoo inks to be analysed for selected aromatic polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH)
 19 tattoo inks to be analysed for selected primary aromatic amines
(PAA) liberated from azo colorants
 30 tattoo inks to be analysed for p-phenylendiamine (PPD).

The method descriptions of the chemical analyses and results are described in
Chapter 4. The results are applied in Chapter 5.

39
2 Legislation

2.1 Danish legislation

Today, no special regulation exists as to which chemical substances may be

used for tattoos.

Tattoo inks are chemical products that are covered by the Product Safety Act
as well as REACH and the related restrictions on a number of chemical
substances.
Tattoo inks also have to comply with the rules concerning labelling and
classification that apply to all chemical products, including the content of
CMR substances. That e.g. means that tattoo inks containing more than 0.1
% of a carcinogenic substance must not be used to make a tattoo.

The Executive Order on Cosmetics and the EU cosmetics directive that apply
to products intended for improving the appearance, cleaning and care of the
skin cannot be used within the field of tattoo inks as cosmetic products are
applied to the surface of the skin and do not perforate the skin barrier, which
is the case with tattoos.

According to the Danish law on tattooing dated 8.6.1966 with effect from
15.6.1966, a person who tattoos somebody under the age of 18 will be
punished with a penalty or imprisonment unless higher punishment is
deserved according to other legislation. A person who tattoos somebody on
the head, on the neck or on the hands will be punished in the same way.

No other legal provision exists on tattooing. The law does not apply to
Greenland or the Faroe islands.

The law does not consider who is allowed to make a tattoo, if the person is an
amateur, a semi-amateur or a professional tattooist with considerable
experience.

In a case, where a professional tattooist from Vesterbro (a district in

Copenhagen) tattooed a text in large types across a the face of a customer, the
25
tattooist was fined DKK 1.000 by the Copenhagen City Court.
26
In a current investigation carried out at Bispebjerg Hospital , see the chapter
on exposure, it was noted that among 72 people who had been tattooed and
who belonged to the age group of 20-25-year-olds, 19.4 % had been tattooed
before they turned 18. 10 % had been tattooed in the face/on the neck and 7 %
on their hands. The law is often violated and the violation is rarely protested
against.
27
On 20.11.2009, the Danish Parliament unanimously passed a proposal, V18,
concerning the tattoo trade and it imposes the Danish Government to submit
a proposal concerning the authorisation of tattooists before the end of 2010.
25
Ekstra Bladet (Danish newspaper) 28.4.2010
26
Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology, 2010, J. Serup, unpublished data
27
www.ft.dk/dokumenter/tingdok

40
In Denmark, tattoo inks are regarded as chemical products. They are not
covered by legislation on cosmetic products or on medicine although the ink is
injected into the skin and is subject to some degree of systematic absorption.

2.2 The Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is not part of the EU and their resolutions should be
regarded as proposals that do not have to be implemented nationally. In
resolution ResAP (2003)2 the Council of Europe stated specifications for
tattoo inks, their acceptable composition, labelling, marking, sterility etc. with
a negative list of aromatic amines that could be carcinogenic or mutagenic.

The resolution prohibited preservatives and introduced sealed, sterile, single

use packaging. The resolution introduced consumer information, but it did
not consider which level of education or which qualifications a tattooist should
have. However, the updated resolution ResAP (2008)1 permits the use of
preservatives and subsequent tattoos may be made of tattoo ink taken from
larger multi-use containers that have been opened. The requirement to sterile
single use packaging has been omitted and limited use of preservatives is
permitted.

A type of positive list covering permitted metals and tracers with stated
maximum approved concentration has been introduced. Switzerland and the
Netherlands have contributed to the development of the resolutions of the
Council of Europe with background information on tattoo inks on the market
and on the microbiology in the products. The resolutions have not been
implemented in Denmark. The resolutions have been implemented in original
or modified form in Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands and
28
it is being considered if the resolutions should be introduced in Sweden .

The resolutions of the Council of Europe are recommodations of intervention

based on theoretical considerations. They lack concrete clinical-
epidemiological validation or closer specific recommendations regarding how
tattoos are implemented in practice.

2.3 Medical tattoos

In Denmark, doctors make medical tattoos such as marker tattoos during

radiation treatment to ensure the consistancy of a radiation field. Such work
comes within health legislation. Doctors can also carry out tattoos with a
cosmetic aim in connection with corrective breast surgery after breast cancer
with restoration of the colour of the nipple and the pigmentation of the areola
around it or a professional tattooist can carry out the treatment. In both cases,
the activity comes within health legislation as the tattooist acts as the doctor’s
assistant.

28
Kemikalieinspektionen, Farliga ämnen i tatueringsfärger, rapport 3/10 af juni 2010,
www.kemi.se

41
2.4 Removal of tattoos

Removing tattoos by means of laser treatment is not covered by the

“Executive Order on Cosmetic Treatment” of the Danish National Board of
Health dated 1 December 2007 and can be carried out by anybody without
the requirements to information, record keeping etc. being applicable, which
doctors are subject to when carrying out laser treatment for cosmetic
treatment. Today, tattoos are removed on the free market without involving
doctors and without any type of control. When removing a tattoo there is no
complaints board, supervision or sanctions.

In the instructions of the Danish National Board of Health concerning

Executive Order no. 64 dated 24.10.2007 it is directly stated that tattooing,
piercing and scarification and treatment hereof are covered by the tattooing
law dated 1966, which, however, has no decisions that regulate the mentioned
conditions.

42
3 Exposure scenarios

3.1 Frequency of tattoos

Historically, tattoo shops were located near ports and the customers were
29
predominantly sailors and people from the marine environment . Today,
commercial tattoo shops exist all over Denmark and tattooing is popular
among a broad section of the population and is not linked to particular
professions.

From August – September 2010, a survey including interviews and

examinations of 140 adults was carried out with an accidental segment of skin
diseases and it showed that 18 had a tattoo ( (13 %), seven women and 11
30
men, and the average age was 40.8 years (span of 19-72) . The persons came
from Greater Copenhagen and Sealand.

The Danish public opinion poll, Gallup, carried out an interview of 1.112
young Danes in the age-group of 15-25 for the Danish newspaper Berlingske
Tidende. It was informed that every eight – in the investigation it was 13 % -
had one or more tattoos and 43 % stated that they definitely or perhaps would
like another tattoo at a later date. The investigation also revealed that out of
31
the 143, who said they had a tattoo, 41 % had more than one tattoo .

A telephone interview of 1.007 representative Danes in the age-group 18-74

32
indicated that 12 % were tattooed .

Therefore, the frequency of tattooing in an age-related broad segment of the

Danish population is around 13 %. 13 % tattooed people means that app.
600.000 adult Danes had a tattoo in 2010.

Evidently, tattooing is very widespread among some segments of the

population -especially among biker gang members such as e.g. Hells Angels,
where the tattoos resemble tribal signs that are carried by all approved
members.

3.2 Exposed parts of the body

A clinical investigation of 72 tattooed persons, 42 women and 30 men from

Greater Copenhagen belonging to the youth segment in the period from
33
August – September 2010 revealed 171 tattos, that is 2.4 tattoos per person .
In average, the tattoos covered 2.5 % of the surface area of the skin calculated
according to the ”palm of the hand” method. As the palm of a human
corresponds to 1 % of the total skin surface of a human, the discovery implies
that an average tattoo covers an area corresponding to 2½ palms.

29
Nordstrøm J. Dansk Tatovering. Nordstrom, 2009. ISBN 978-87-993150-0-0
30
Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology, 2010, J. Serup, unpublished data
31
Berlingske Tidende, Danish newspaper, 9.7.2010
32
MetroExpress, Danish newspaper, 16.9.2009 with reference to YouGov Zaperas
Danmarkspanel
33
Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology, 2010, J. Serup, unpublished data

43
 2
According to REACH, the surface area of the skin is standard 1.69 m for
2
women and 1.94 m for men and if 2.5 % of the skin is tattooed, then the
2 2
tattooed area is in average 423 cm for women and 485 cm for men. In
2
average 454 cm for both sexes – corresponding to a square area of 21.3 x
21.3 cm.

9 persons had larger tattoos that covered 3-12 % of the skin surface, in
average 6.4 % of the skin surface. So there was a sub-group of particularly
2
exposed where the tattooed average area was 1,090 cm for one person,
corresponding to a square area of 33.0 x 33.0 cm.

In connection with the 171 tattoos, the tattooed body regions were as follows:
arms including wrist area 59 (35 %), legs including ankle joint and genital area
15 (9 %), body 71 (42 %), hands 7 (4 %), feet 10 (6 %) and face and neck 10
(6 %).

17 (10 %) of the tattoos were made on the face, neck or hands, which
according to the “Danish law on tattooing” is forbidden.

3.3 Exposure of the body

The skin consists of epidermis, dermis and subcutis, see Figure 1.

Epidermis consists of a thin layer, Stratum Corneum, on the outer side and of
a hypercellular layer down towards dermis, which is rich in collagen fibres.

Tattoo pigment gathers in the outer 1/3 of dermis and centres just under
epidermis where the so-called basement membrane does not allow further
passage of pigment to epidermis and thus out of the skin.

In a few weeks, epidermis is renewed and is then devoid of pigment in a tattoo

that has healed. Dermis consists of vessels and vascular loops, especially up
towards epidermis. The blood vessels drain to the venous system and the large
vessels of the body. The lymphatics drain via larger vessels in the subcutis to
the sentinel lymph nodes that function as a filter. The lymph then passes on to
the central vessels and to the bloodstream. The sentinel lymph nodes can be
found in the flexure of the knees and the cubital fossa, in the groin of the
arms, in the groin and armpits, on the neck and inside the body along the
vertebral column and along the vessel supply to the large organs. That means
that there are two drainage paths from a tattoo: one directly to the venous
system, the other through the lymph tracts and lymph nodes to the
bloodstream. It is unclear what determines the tissues’ path away from the
skin – presumably, it is a question of molecular size, probably so the macro
molecules and particles mainly travel via the lymph and the filtration in the
lymph nodes.

The skin has special structures such as hair (A), sebaceous glands (B), muscle
fibres attached to hair follicles (C), sweat glands (D), sensory bodies attached
to nerve fibres (E) and free nerve ends (F). The thicker subcutis is located
under dermis and it constitutes a layer of fat against underlying structures.

In the areas that are usually tattooed (arms, body, legs) epidermis is 0.1-0.2
mm thick and the total thickness of the skin is 0.6-1.5 mm, on the body it is

44
 34
up to 2.5 mm . The female skin is app. 0.2 mm thinner than the skin of men,
but the echodensity is geater (expression of density of collagen fibres in the
skin, which is measured by ultrasound examination). When tattooing, the
tattoo ink is pricked or injected around 0.1-0.5 mm into the skin and then the
pigments are distributed.

Figure 1 Structure of the skin

The skin barrier against penetration of chemicals lies in the outer 3-5 cell
layers that constitute the Stratum Corneum of the epidermis that mainly
consists of dead epidermis cells that normally are exfoliated as scale.
Penetration is difficult – only small fat-soluble molecules can pass and only in
small amounts. For instance, with regard to locally effective medicine only 1-
5% penetrates through the barrier. Most of it remains unused on the surface
and falls off with scale or is washed off.

When tattooing, the colorant is particles that mechanically are led through the
barrier by pricking with a tattoo needle in the upper part of the underlying
dermis, meaning below epidermis. Normally, the skin does not bleed when
tattooing as the tattoo needles are blunt needles compared to injection needles
for medical use, where the needle point is cutting and typically sharpened with
faceting. In case of unintentional vascular lesion during tattooing, with visible
blood that most often appears on the skin surface, the pigment is washed out
of the skin and it is the general experience that in case of bleeding there is a
risk that the tattoo might get an uneven colour and some areas will not receive
enough colour. Vascular lesion by bleeding disrupts the continuity of the

34
Olsen L, Takiwaki H, Serup J. High-frequency ultrasound characterization of
normal skin. Skin thickness and echographic density of 22 anatomical sites. Skin Res
Technol 1995;1:74-84

45
vessel and the risk of installing ink directly in the vessel system after vascular
lesion from needles is, however, estimated to be very small.

Tattoo needles consist of a number of very small needles collected as a sort of

brush in the tattoo needle that is mounted in the electric tattooing equipment.
Needles for the tattooing of points, typically consist of 3-5 small individual
needles, and needles for tinting of larger areas and for shading typically
consist of a larger amount of needles, if necessary mounted as a fan.

Due to the quickly vibrating movement of the needle and as the needle
regularly is dipped in the tattoo ink, ink with a content of particles is led
through epidermis and down into dermis. The applied amount of ink depends
on the tattooist, his trade skills and his intention with regard to dosing the
colour more or less intensively.

In connection with drawing op of a tattoo, where an old tattoo will be covered

by another colour or refreshed, the colour will be dosed so it becomes
particularly vivid. Therefore, there will be great variation in the local dosage of
tattoo ink merely conditioned by the technique and purpose, including the
selected motif.

The chairman of the Danish Tattooist Guild gives a practicle example where
1 ml tattoo ink covers an area of 11 x 11 cm corresponding to a dose of 8.3
2
mg/cm . However, during tattooing surplus ink is regularly wiped away with a
serviette and the amount pricked into the skin is a bit smaller. A more precise
determination of the effective dose requires measurement of the amount
deposited in the skin.

In a study with chemical extraction and analysis of azo pigment (Pigment Red
22) from tattoos made by an experienced tattooist on humans and on pigs,
extraction showed that the deposit of pigment in the skin varied from 0.6 to
2 2 35
9.4 mg/cm , mean value 2.5 mg/cm , depending on the tattooing technique .

As the dry matter content (meaning the pigment) of tattoo ink is 30-60 % and
considering that some of the ink is dried away with a serviette there is good
agreement between the pigment dose in the skin stated in literature and the
tattooist’s estimation of the tattoo ink dosage.
2
Assuming that the average tattooed area of a person is 454 cm and that the
2
average dose is 2.53 mg/cm , then the average exposure, understood as the
amount of pigment in chemical extractable form deposited in the skin,
amounts to 1,148 mg for one person. For the group with tattoos that cover a
2 2
large area, i.e. 1,090 cm , and that have the highest dosage, i.e. 9.42 mg/cm ,
exposure will amount to 10,268 mg pigment for one person.

Some of the pigment that is deposited in the skin - irrespective of the

substance being particulate or dissolved – will pass directly on to the
lymphatics and vascular system (especially nanoparticles) and under the
influence of light some might be decomposed to other chemical substances or
be metabolised locally in the skin.

As a starting point, commercial tattoo inks are not chemically pure, which the
various findings from the chemical analyses in this project also indicate.
35
Engel E et al. Modern tattoos cause high concentrations of hazardous pigments in
skin. Contact Dermatitis 2008;58:228-233

46
Therefore, there will in the early phase be a wide range of chemical substances
with different metabolism in the skin, different solubility properties and
different kinetics, penetration into the body and local metabolism.

During the first weeks, the pigment in the verticle pricks will physically move
locally in the skin and gather as a rather even layer in the outer part of dermis
just below epidermis. Through a magnifying glass, the ink in new tattoos
appears to be evenly distributed without visible prick traces corresponding to
the original needle pricks, by means of which the colour was introduced into
the skin. In old tattoos, the colour can spread to the surrounding skin and
appear vague and bleached due to further transfer of the pigment inside
dermis.

Pigment, which is a foreign body, trys to get out of the skin in every thinkable
way – for years. Kinetics has been studied in mice - also when using Pigment
36
Red 22 .

42 days after tattooing, the pigment in the skin was reduced to 32 % of the
initial dose. During systematical exposure to sunlight the reduction was larger.
During the course of events and especially during light-affection including
laser, new chemical substances were created and they are classified as
carcinogenic chemical substances and light and laser substantially reduced the
amount of the substance.

That means that there is an initial phase in the weeks after tattooing with
physical redistribution of the pigment locally in the skin, washing out to the
body and local metabolism i.a. under the influence of light, by means of which
a substantial part of the colorant leaves the skin or is transformed to a
substance of similar chemical composition. There is great uncertainty
connected to stating the size of distribution, transformation and elimination
that must be assumed to vary for the different pigments as they chemically
and structurally are very different.

During the initial phase, 2/3 of the primarily deposited pigment disappears or
is metabolised, estimated in the light of the determination of the azo pigment
Pigment Red 22 in mice as mentioned above. However, the histological
structure of the skin of mice is very different from the structure of human
skin, as the skin of mice is thinner. Therefore, the result cannot uncritically be
extrapolated to humans. Besides, the skin structure varies in the different
body regions, e.g. the skin in the face/neck is thicker than the skin on the arms
and legs, but the skin in the face/neck is nevertheless more penetrable e.g. for
37
cortisone cream .

After the initial phase there is a phase with slow liberation and therefore
kinetics is assumed to be two-phased as the tattoo in spite of the initial
liberation is permanent.

It is the general experience that black ink is more lasting in a tattoo than other
colours and the frequent practical experience is that the colours red, yellow
and green loose intensity after some years and that tattoos with those colours

36
Engel E et al. Tattooing of skin results in transportation and light-induced
decomposition of tattoo pigments – a first quantification in vivo using a mouse model.
Exp Dermtol 2009;19:54-60
37
Feldman RJ, Maibach HI. Regional variation in percutaneous penetration of C-14
cortisol in man. J Invest Dermatol 1967;48:181-183

47
in time completely can loose their colour as an expression of the colorant
either disappearing from the skin or metabolising to colourless chemical
substances.

As the passage of pigment from the skin to the sentinel lymph node is
frequent with secondary deposit in the lymph node and visible colouring of
the node, the tattooing of skin is indirectly the tattooing of the sentinel lymph
node. On the basis of autopsies, it is well-known that sentinel lymph nodes to
a tattoo in skin can carry visible colouring corresponding to the dominating
colour of the tattoo, just as it is well-known that people who smoke tobacco
often have black lymph nodes near the primary bronchus.

When removing lymph nodes as part of an operation for malignant

melanoma, findings of visible dark or black lymph nodes can give rise to
interpretation problems if the person has a black tattoo in the draining area of
the lymph node.

The appearance of visible colouring of lymph nodes that drain the skin area
with a tattoo indicates that a substantial part of the tattoo pigment is detected
in sentinel lymph nodes. In the light of autopsies it is well-known among
pathologists that the node behind a red tattoo is red, behind a green tattoo it is
green etc. Animal studies have shown that app. ¼ of the administered
amount of ink during tattooing can be recoverd in the lymph nodes. Pigment
that is secondarily deposited in the lymph node forms a special exposure as
that pigment is in direct contact with the blood-forming system and with the
immune apparatus whose main organs are the lymph nodes and the bone
marrow.

In the light of an experiment on animals, see 3.4, it must be assumed that the
extent of pigment deposited in the lymph node (above estimated to ¼ of the
administered pigment) depends on the size of the pigment particles, as small
particles of nanosize according to the mentioned experiment and in the light
of general knowledge of nanoparticle kinetics in the body must be assumed to
a larger degree than nanoparticles exceeding nanosize to pass unfiltered
through the lymph node and on to the systematic blood circulation with
possible exposure of much body tissue.

Assuming that app. 1/3 of the pigment that is installed in the skin during
tattooing and that the rest is not eliminated locally in the skin but solely is
made up of nanoparticles, then the hypnotic systematic exposure in the initial
phase could amount to up to 2/3 of the administered amount of tattoo
pigment.

The description of exposure is further complicated by the pigments appearing

in particle form. That means that slow liberation of chemical substances from
the surface of the particles could take place (perhaps they could even be
chemically coated).

During the chemical analysis of tattoo inks it was observed that there is a
considerable variation in the chemical composition of tattoo inks. In addition,
it was not possible during the investigation to account for all chemical
substances that exist in the colours. The chemical substances in the inks might
influence pigment kinetics and in that way the local, regional and systematic
exposure.

48
3.4 Nanomaterials in tattoo inks

As mentioned, pigment in the form of nanoparticles down to a size of 20nm

was found in tattoo ink after analysis of random colours.

Under an electron microscope, skin tattoos disclosed skin cells in dermis with
38
particles of black, red, yellow and green colours, with sizes in the nanoarea .
These particles had also accumulated around vessels and their localisation
indicates that they in the redistribution phase after tattooing seek towards the
vascular bed.
As mentioned, it is well-known that pigment grains of tattoo ink exist in
lymph nodes that drain the tattooed skin area. Tests in rats with injection of
silver nanoparticles and larger particles in subcutis have shown that
nanoparticles also reach the blood circulation and distribute themselves to the
kidneys, liver and spleen, while larger particles above nanosize are not
39
transferred to the blood . The fact that nanoparticles can distribute
themselves differently in the body than soluble substances and larger particles
40
is utilised as ”drug targeting” in connection with development of vaccines .
The content of nanoparticles in tattoo ink especially creates uncertainty as to
which organs actually are exposed in addition to skin and lymph nodes, which
drain the tattooed area.

Nanoparticles have special biological effects that are conditioned by their

small size and chemical reactions on the surface of the particles. The effects
exceed the effect of the chemical substance, which the particles consist of. For
instance, titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice can induce harm and
instability in the genetic code of the cells, DNA, whereas titanium dioxide
41
normally is assumed to be intert . There is an increasing development and
42
appreciation of the field of nanotoxicology .

The particle distribution in a representative selection of different tattoo inks

43
has been systematically investigated and is being published .

3.5 Definition of dermatological terms

Lichenoide reaction, meaning benign tumours in the skin above its level,
possibly with dryness and scale on the surface, often pruritic and troublesome.

Pseudolymphoma, meaning roundish tumours in the skin with content of

structures and cells corresponding to leukaemia according to microscopy, but
most often with a clinically benign course.

Granulomatous reaction, meaning roundish tumours that swell as a dome above

the skin and have a special microscopic structure with content of so-called
epitheloid cells and perhaps sarcodial structure, i.e. a structure with giant cells

38
T. Kobayasi, Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology, unpublished data
39
Tang J et al. Distribution, translocation and accumulation of silver nanoparticles in
rats. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2009;8:4924
40
Nasir A. Nanoparticles in vaccine development: a step forward. J Invest Dermatol
2009;129:1055-1059
41
Trouiller B et al. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce DNA damage and genetic
instability in vivo in mice. Cancer Res 2009;69, 8784-9
42
Oberdörster G. Nanotoxicology: an emerging discipline evolving from studies of
ultrafine particles. Environmental Health Perspectives 2005;113:823-39
43
Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology, 2010, J. Serup, unpublished data

49
in special arrangement, a structure that could resemble tuberculosis and is
seen in that connection liberated by the tubercle bacillus. Small foreign bodies
in the skin such as metal particles, especially aluminium, can include the
formation of foreign body granuloma.

3.6 Known dermatological and other side-effects from tattoos

In 2003, the EU made an outline of the side-effects from tattoos based on an

44
investigation of scientific literature . A Danish key article has just been
published in the journal of The Danish Medical Association and it gives a
45
current status of the situation .

Transfer of infections in connection with tattooing such as hepatitis, HIV,

tetanus, syphilis, tuberculosis and leprosy are known and are ascribed to
insufficient hygiene.

Local infections in the skin with staphylococci, streptococci and bacteria of

the species pseudomonas and fungi exist and are also ascribed to insufficient
hygiene or contamination of the tattoo ink. Among the non-infectuous side-
effects reference is made to allergic, granulomous/lichenoide, pseudo-
lymphomatoud, sarcoidal and keloid reactions and skin cancer including
malignant melanoma.

Compared to the spreading of tattoos, reports on side-effects in the medical

literature are rare and they mostly appear as a description of isolated cases.
There is a high degree of uncertainty on how allergic reactions appear
clinically and how the appearance of allergic mediator mechanism is
documented.

Contact allergy tests in the form of patch tests are not suited for testing
particulate provocations and were not developed or validated for this purpose
as exposure takes place down in the skin and not above the skin. It is assumed
that allergy against permanently deposited substances in dermis is clinically
different from ordinary contact eczema, where the eczema reaction is initiated
by the contact of the allergen with the surface of the skin. It is often assumed
that cronical, scaling reactions with lichenoid or granulmatous appearance can
have allergic reasons. But other mechanisms such as chemical irritation
reactions, biological reactions of non-allergic nature and foreign body
reactions are also possible.

The development of nodular elements in the skin has been described. Under
the microscope it is a leucemic condition, diagnosed as pseudolymphoma or
46 47 48
as B-cell lymphoma that has arisen in a pseudolymphoma . Skin cancer
in the form of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant
melanoma originating in a tattoo have been described, but rarely and only in
44
EC. Risks and Health Effects from Tattoos, Body Piercing and Related Practices,
Ispra, 05 May, 2003
45
Hoegsberg T, Serup J. Tattoos in dermatologic perspective. Journal of The Danish
Medical Association, 2011;173:34-39
46
Gutermuth J. et al. Cutaneous pseudolymphoma arising after tattoo placement. J
Eur Acad Dermatol 2007;21:566-67
47
Arminger WG, Caldwell EH. Primary lesion of a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
occurring in a skin tattoo: case report. Plast Reconstr Surgery 1978;62:125-27
48
Sangueza OP et al. Evolution of B-cell lymphoma from pseuolymphoma. Am J
Dermtopahtol 1992;14:408-13

50
individual cases in the form of case reports. Skin cancer in the form of
carcinoma originating in the epidermis is very frequent (the most frequent
type of cancer among humans) and therefore it is irrespective of the tattoo
likely that skin cancer in a tattoo merely is an accidental finding, a
49
coincidence . The Swedish chemical inspection has in a report in detail
reviewed the literature with the same conclusion; that a connection between
50
skin cancer and tattoos has not been proven and is not actually probable .

As mentioned earlier, tattoo pigment is transported to the sentinel lymph node

that can become swollen with microscopic and macroscopic content of tattoo
51 52 53
pigment, just as more widespread lymph node tumour can arise . In
addition to skin and lymph nodes, certain side-effects from tattoos have not
been reported in other organs. There is no awareness of the situation, no
studies aim at detecting such distant complications and such risks have not
been systematically clarified.

A number of cases of eye complications have been reported in the form of

iritis that have arisen in connection with tattooing carried out on an occasional
place on the body without necesarrily having been localised near the eye
54
region. Iritis is most often an expression of an immunological reaction and
iritis is typically seen in connection with rheumatism i.a. articular rheumatism.

49
Kluger et al. Skincancers Arising in Tattoos: Coincidental or not? Dermatology
2008;217:219-221
50
Kemikalieinspektionen rapport 3/10, Farliga ämnen i tatueringfärger, 2010,
www.kemi.se
51
Goldstein N. Complications from tattoos. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1979;5:869-878
52
Friedman T. et al. Tattoo pigment in lymph nodes mimicking metastatic malignant
melanoma. Plast Reconstr Surgery 2003;111:2120-22
53
Moehrie M. et al. Tattoo pigment mimics positive sentinel lymph node in
melanoma. Dermatology 2001;203:342-44
54
Rorsman H et al. Tattoo granuloma and uveitis. Lancet 1969;2:27; Saliba N. et al.
Tattoo-asociated uveitis. Eye (London) 2010;24:1406

51
 4 Chemical analyses

4.1 Objective of the analyses

The chemical analyses shall illustrate to which extent a number of selected

tattoo inks contain one or more of the following substances and the
amount/concentration of the substances:
 Metals and other elements
 Carbon black
 Phthalocyanines
 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
 Primary aromatic amines (PAA) that have appeared through the
liberation of azo colorants.
 p-Phenyldiamines (PPD).

In connection with the analyses for PAA and PPD the content of PAA will
also be determined. It might have been added to the product to give colour, be
residue from the production of azo colorants or perhaps break-down
products. In the report, these PAA in free form are called ”free PAA”.

The reason why certain tattoo inks were chosen for each analysis is described
in section 1.10.

In this chapter on chemical analyses the applied methods are described in

section 4.2 and the analysis results are described in section 4.3. A summary of
the results in section 4.4 concludes the chapter.

The analysis results were used to implement the Health and Risk Assessment
in chapter 5.

4.1.1 Outline of analyses and tattoo inks

The analysis programme is shown in Table 4.1. X means that the tattoo ink
was analysed according to the stated method. Ink no. marked with * indicates
that the tattoo ink is registered in connection with skin reactions, please also
refer to Survey, section 1.7 and chapter 6.

Table 4.1 Outline of analyses of tattoo colours

Ink no. Colour ICP/MS TGA Colour test GC/MS A GC/MS B GC/MS C
(metals and (carbon (phthalo- (PAH) (PAA+ (PAA+
elements) black) cyanin) PPD) 1) PPD) 2)
1 Red X X
2 Black X X
3 Black X X
4 White X
5 Red X X X
6 Pale green X
7 Dark green X X X
8 Blue X X
9 Yellow X
10 Grey X X X X
11 Black X X

52
 Ink no. Colour ICP/MS TGA Colour test GC/MS A GC/MS B GC/MS C
(metals and (carbon (phthalo- (PAH) (PAA+ (PAA+
elements) black) cyanin) PPD) 1) PPD) 2)
12 Black X X X X
13 Dark green X X
14 White X
15 Blue X X X
16 Pale green X
17 Red X X
18 * Red X X X X
19 Yellow X
20 Orange X X X X
21 Peach X
22 White X
23 Black X X X X
24 * Red X X X
25 Blue X X
26 Pale green X X
27 Yellow X X
28 Orange X
29 Peach X
30 Black X X X X
31 Dark green X X
32 Blue X
33 Red X
34 Red X X
35 * Violet X X X X
36 * Yellow X X X
37 * Violet X X X
38 Blue X
39 Red X
40 Yellow X
41 Green X
42 Black X X
43 Black X X X X
44 Pale green X X X
45 Blue X X X X X
46 White X
47 Yellow X
48 * Red X X X X
49 * Red X X X X
50 Violet X X X X
51 Black X X
53 * Red X X X
57 * Brown X X X
58 Black X X
59 White X
60 Green X X X
61 Yellow X
62 Blue X
63 Red X
64 Peach X
65 Orange X X
1)
Method GC/MS B determines PAA liberated from azo colorants (p-phenylendiamine (PPD) is a PAA). The
result is a sum of the liberated PAA and PAA that appear in free form in the tattoo ink.
2)
Method GC/MS C determines p-phenylendiamine (PPD) and other primary aromatic amines (PAA) that appear
in free form in tattoo ink.
* Indicates tattoo inks registered in connection with skin reactions.

53
4.2 Method descriptions

The following outlines how subsamples are extracted. The applied analysis
methods are also described.

4.2.1 Extraction of subsamples

The tattoo inks are supplied in different types of plastic containers. Visually,
the tattoo inks are very different as some seem homogeneous while others
form sediment and the colour is not homogeneously distributed in the
container. Some tattoo inks are easy-flowing while others are thick-flowing.

All tattoo inks were shaken thoroughly immediately before extraction of

subsample for analysis in order to obtain a sample that was as homogeneous
as possible. In connection with sampling, weight was used rather than volume
because in connection with some tattoo inks it was impossible to remove a
known volume due to high viscosity (thick-flowing).

4.2.2 ICP/MS screening analysis for metals and other elements

The analysis is quantitative. For determination of metals and other elements a

sample preparation was carried out with acid and subsequent ICP/MS
screening analysis. The expert programme TotalQuantIII was applied. It
quantifies the content on the basis of an instrument response curve of the
elements from mass 6 (Li) to mass 238 (U).

The weighed subsamples are heated with concentrated nitric acid (Subboiling
Quality) by means of microwaves in a quartz autoclave. Subsequently, the
sample is filtered and diluted. Blank specimens are made in the same way.

Ge, Rh and Re are added to the prepared samples as internal standards online
and they are screened for content of elements by inductive-coupled-plasma-
mass-spectrometry (ICP/MS) during the application of the expert programme
TotalQuantIII. The instrument response curve is updated before and after the
sample measurements by means of multielement standard containing
elements that cover the entire mass area. Elements such as Br, C, Cl, F, I, N,
O and S are not quantified because of interferences.

The recommended detection limit in the measurement solution is 0.5-50

ng/ml. Detection limits in µg/g are stated in result charts.

A number of substances can influence the analysis result of other substances,

so they are estimated to be larger than the correct content in the sample.

A high content of chlorine can influence the result of vanadium and arsenic. A
high content of carbon can influence the result of chromium. A high content
of calcium can influence the result of nickel. Very high concentrations can be
underestimated because of deviation from linearity as seen in some of the
samples for copper.

The concentration of elements such as Al, Ti, Zr, Hf and Th can be

underestimated as it probably will be difficult to dissolve them with the
applied method. Correspondingly, the concentrations of Ba and Sr can be
underestimated depending on which salts they appear in, in the samples, e.g.
the sulphate salts will result in an underestimation.

54
In addition, selected samples with a high content of copper are diluted and
analysed by means of ICP-AES.

4.2.3 TGA analysis for carbon black

The analysis is quantitative. For determination of carbon black in tattoo inks a

TGA analysis was carried out. During the analysis, the samples are gasified in
nitrogen and the weight loss is weighed. Subsequently, the sample is burned in
oxygen (carbon black) by means of which the content of carbon black is
determined.

The analysis was carrried out with a starting point in ASTM D 1603-06,
Standard Test Method for Carbon Black Content in Olefin Plastics, with the
following conditions:

50 °C-60 °C in nitrogen with 1 °C/min.

60 °C-600 °C in nitrogen with 20 °C/min.
600 °C-200 °C in nitrogen with 100 °C/min.
200 °C-900 °C in oxygen with 30 °C/min.

The result of carbon black can be overestimated if the sample has a content of
other non-volatile organic substances or coked organic substances.

4.2.4 Colour test for phthalocyanines

The analysis is qualitative. This analysis determines the content of blue or

green phthalocyanines that contain copper. The test consists of a colour
reaction and a flocculation, respectively.

The analysis was carried out according to ASTM D 3256-86, Chemical

Analysis of Phthalocyanine Blue and Green Pigments. A sample of app. 0.05
g is extracted in a 50 ml cup and 30 ml sulphuric acid is added. Stir for 15
min. and if necessary heat the sample to dissolve the pigment. The creation of
a dark green/yellow colour indicates a content of phthalocyanine blue and the
creation of a reddish colour indicates a content of phthalocyanine green. The
solution is poured into 250 ml water and stirred. If the sample contains the
phthalocyanine pigment it will immediately be precipitated as fluff balls.

4.2.5 GC/MS analysis (A) for PAH

The analysis is quantitative. This analysis determines the content of polycyclic

aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in tattoo inks. The method is based on the
article: ”Tattoo inks contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocabons that additionally
generate deleteriuous singlet oxygen”, Experimental Dermatology
2010;19:e275-e281.

A subsample of the tattoo ink (app. 1 g accurately weighed) is mixed with 1

ml acetone on a whirley mixer. 100 µl internal standard (naphthalene-d8,
antracene-d10, pyrene-d10 and benz(a)pyrene-d12) and 2 ml benzene is
added, which are mixed on the whirley mixer. It is heated in an ultrasound
bath for 60 min. at 60 °C and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min. The
supernatant is transferred to a new glass and saved. Extraction is repeated
another 2 times with 1 ml acetone and 2 ml benzene. The supernatant is
pooled with the previous supernatants. Evaporation takes place till app. 1 ml
and filtration takes place if the sample is unclear. The sample is then diluted
1:10 with dichlormethane.

55
Analysis by means of capillary gas chromatography combined with mass
spectrometry (GC/MS):
Large volume injection: 25 µl
Column: Phenomenex ZB-1MS 20 m x 0.18 mm x 0.18 µm.
Temperature program: 40 °C (1 min.) to 320 °C (5 min.), rate 20 °C/min. 
He: 13 psi
Scan: 45-350 amu

Calibration standards were prepared in benzene:acetone (2:1) added internal

standards (naphthalene-d8, antracene-d10, pyrene-d10 and benz(a)pyrene-
d12) and diluted in dichlormethane (1:10). The detection limits are 0.15-0.5
µg/g if nothing else is stated in the result charts.

4.2.6 GC/MS analysis (B) for primary aromatic amines (PAA) liberated from azo
colorants and free PAA

The analyses are quantitative. This analysis determines the primary aromatic
amines (PAA) as the sum of PAA liberated from azo colorants and content of
PAA from other sources e.g. residue or PAA added as colour (called ”free
PAA”). The method is based on methods described in Resolution
”ResAp(2008)1 of the Council of Europe on requirements and criteria for the
safety of tattoos and permanent make-up”, which is a modified method of
”DS/EN 14362-1, Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines
liberated from azo colorants and pigments”.

5 ml 5 % dithionite solution in citrate buffer is added to a subsample of the

tattoo ink (app. 0.5 g accurately weighed), it is shaken mechanically for 30
min. and heated to 70 °C for 90 min. during regular shaking. The solution is
extracted with 2 x 5 ml MTBE added internal standards of aniline-d5 and
naphthalene-d8 during mechanical shaking for 10 min. Analysis in duplicate
was carried out.

The extracts were analysed by means of capillary gas chromatography

combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS):
Column: Varian CP Sil 8 MS 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.5 µm.
Temperature program: 45 °C (0.5 min.) to 320 °C (5 min.), rate 15 °C/min. 
He: 15 psi
Scan: 50-275 amu

Calibration standards were prepared in MTBE added internal standards of

aniline-d5 and naphthalene-d8.

Recovery was determined by preparation of control standards in 5 %

dithionite solution in citrate buffer with subsequent preparation
corresponding to the tattoo inks. The detection limits are stated in the result
charts.

4.2.7 GC/MS (C) analysis for p-phenylendiamine (PPD) and free PAA

The analyses are quantitative. This analysis determines p-phenylendiamine

and primary aromatic amines that are not liberated from azo colorants, but
added by other means e.g. as part of the colour, as residue or a break-down
product (called ”free PAA”). The method differs from the method GC/MS
(B) as dithionite solution is not added and therefore the azo colorants are not
decomposed.

56
5 ml citrate buffer is added to the subsample of the tattoo ink (app. 0.5 g
accurately weighed). Ultrasound extraction for 60 min. The solution is
extracted with 2 x 5 ml MTBE added internal standards of aniline-d5 and
naphthalene-d8 during mechanical shaking for 10 min. Analysis in duplicate
was carried out.

The extracts were analysed by means of capillary gas chromatography

combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS):
Column: Varian CP Sil 8 MS 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.5 µm.
Temp. program: 45 °C (0.5 min.) to 320 °C (5 min.), rate 15 °C/min. 
He: 15 psi
Scan: 50-275 amu

Calibration standards were prepared in MTBE added internal standards of

aniline-d5 and naphthalene-d8. Recovery was determined by preparation of
control standards in citrate buffer with subsequent preparation corresponding
to the tattoo inks. The detection limits are stated in the result charts.

4.3 Results of chemical analyses

4.3.1 Results for metals and other elements

ICP/MS screening analysis was carried out for metals and other elements in
61 tattoo inks. The results appear in Enclosure C. Table 4.2 states the highest
concentrations found in the tattoo inks.

The results of the analyses for metals and other elements have been compared
55
with the recommendations in ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe in the
summary in section 4.4.

Table 4.2 Highest concentrations during ICP/MS screening analysis, µg/g

Element Highest concentrations Ink no.
µg/g
Fe 25000 49*
Cu 20000 15
Ca 16000 53*
Al 11000 46
Na 5800 2
Zr 2800 46
B 2600 2
Ba 1800 61
Mg 1700 63
Si 1100 27
Ti 960 4
P 710 4
K 680 12
Zn 53 33
Mn 42 20
Hf 38 59

55
Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and
permanent make-up

57
Element Highest concentrations Ink no.
µg/g
Cr 31 20
Pd 21 46
Sr 20 61
Ni 18 20
Ag 11 25
Pb 10 4
La 4.8 3
Rb 4.2 1
Y 4.1 1
Sn 4.1 20
Co 3.6 44
Ce 2.8 39
Mo 2.4 15
Li 2.2 1
V 1.7 20
Se 1.7 1
Th 1.5 5
Sb 1.2 43
Ga 1.1 29
As 0.94 1
Nb 0.80 4
Sc 0.54 59
Cs 0.43 1
W 0.32 50
Nd 0.31 1
Pt 0.30 46
Bi 0.28 10
Cd 0.27 64
U 0.14 4
Eu 0.12 61
Hg 0.11 29
Gd 0.10 1
Sm 0.087 1
Dy 0.082 1
Pr 0.079 1
Yb 0.053 1
Au 0.045 46
Ta 0.044 4
Er 0.043 1
Tl 0.039 51
In 0.014 25
Lu 0.010 6
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

58
Be, Ru, Te, Tb, Ho, Tm, Os or Ir were not demonstrated in any of the tattoo
inks.

A content of Ni was demonstrated in all inks. None of the tattoo inks have a
label stating that they contain Ni.

The white colours contain titanium dioxide, which corresponds to

demonstration of Ti in the white tattoo inks. Ti was also demonstrated in
other tattoo inks as titanium dioxide is used to lighten colours. The result of
Ti is underestimated, see explanation in the method description of ICP/MS,
section 4.2.2.

The high content of Cu is anticipated to originate from phthalocyanines,

which is in keeping with the findings in the blue and green tattoo inks that
according to the labelling and the safety data sheets contain phthalocyanines.
Four selected tattoo inks were analysed to determine the content of Cu more
accurately, see results of phtahalocyanines. By means of the applied method,
the amount of Cu contained in phthalocyanines and possibly added copper in
free form was determined. Therefore, it was not possible to determine
soluable copper in the tattoo inks.

Al was demonstrated in high as well as low concentrations in many tattoo inks,

but it is presumably not used as pigment. In low concentrations it is most
likely due to residue from production, whereas high concentrations might
indicate the addition of aluminium (e.g. in the form of aluminium silicate or
magnesium aluminium silicate) in order to influence the ability to float
(thixotropical properties).

Apart from the above specifications on Ti and Cu there was no connection

between tattoo inks and content of certain elements.

4.3.2 Results for carbon black

The quantitative content of carbon black was investigated in five black tattoo
inks. The results of the TGA analysis appears in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3 Results of TGA analysis

Ink no. Colour % weight loss % weight loss % weight Remaining
N2 N2 loss % weight loss
(50-200 °C) (200-500 °C) O2
(carbon
black)
10 Grey 78.7 - 0.55 20.8
12 Black 47.0 4.0 33.4 15.6
23 Black 46.1 3.6 31.6 18.7
30 Black 68.9 6.2 10.8 14.1
43 Black 39.2 9.1 33.2 18.5

The content of carbon black corresponds to the result of ”carbon black” and
is therefore 0.55 %, 33.4 %, 31.6 %, 10.8 % and 33.2 %, respectively. That
corresponds to a content of 5.500 µg/g, 334.000 µg/g, 316.000 µg/g, 108.000
µg/g and 332.000 µg/g, respectively.

Ink no. 12 and 23 are black tattoo inks that according to the information on
the labels are expected to contain carbon black. No information exists on the
content of carbon black in ink no. 43, but from the TGA analysis it appears

59
that the tattoo ink has a content of carbon black corresponding to ink no. 12
and ink no. 23.

Ink no. 10 is a grey colour which is in keeping with the ink containing a
smaller amount of carbon black than the other black colours.

Ink no. 30 is a black ink that is sold to tattooists, but it is not intended for
tattooing.

4.3.3 Results for phthalocyanines

Six tattoo inks were investigated. The test results appear in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4 Test results for phthalocyanines

Ink no. Colour Phthalocyanine blue Phthalocyanine green Flocculation
pigment (yellow-green pigment (reddish
colour reaction) colour reaction)
31 Green Positive Positive
35* Violet Positive Positive
44 Green Positive Positive
45 Blue Positive Positive
50 Violet Positive Positive
60 Green Positive Positive
’*’ Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

All of the six investigated tattoo inks contain phthalocyanines.

Phthalocyanines contain a metal – e.g. Pigment Blue 15 contains copper. The

results from the ICP/MS screening are consistent with the expectations as the
content of copper in the colours varies giving bright colours a lower content
than the darker colours, see Enclosure C. The highest content of copper was
found in the dark blue inks.

On the basis of the information on the labels and from the data sheets, 4
colours were found to contain Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 (Pigment Blue 15,
CAS no. 147-14-8), and simultaneously a high content of copper was found
during the ICP/MS screening, see Table 4.5.

The content of copper in these inks was subsequently determined quantitavely

by ICP-AES to obtain better quantification. The result of the analysis was
used to estimate the content of Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 in the colours.

The results in Table 4.5 show that the blue tattoo inks have a high content of
copper and phthalocyanine followed by the green colour. As expected, the
light-blue ink has a lower Cu content than the dark blue ink and therefore a
lower phthalocyanine content.

The calculation in Table 4.5 was carried out by using the molar weights for
copper (63.5 g/mol) and Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 (576.1 g/mol) as the result
of copper is timed by 576.1 and divided by 63.5.

60
Table 4.5 Calculation of content of Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 in selected inks
Ink no. Colour Content of Calculated content of Percentage by
Cu Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 weight
µg/g µg/g % w/w
7 Dark 12,300 112,000 11.2
green
8 Blue 19,200 174,000 17.4
15 Blue 20,800 189,000 18.9
25 Pale blue 5,130 46,500 4.65

4.3.4 Results for PAH

The quantitative content of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

was determined in 19 tattoo inks (black, blue, red, orange and violet colours).

A content of PAH exceeding 0.5 µg/g was demonstrated in 14 of the 19

investigated tattoo inks. ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe
recommends <0.5 µg/g (<0.5 ppm). The highest content of PAH was
demonstrated in the black inks and at the same time the black inks have the
highest content of carbon black. That might indicate a connection between
the content of carbon black and the demonstration of PAH. It cannot be ruled
out that PAH might originate from another source.

The highest content of PAH was demonstrated in two black tattoo inks (ink
no. 3 and 11). In ink no. 3 a content of 81 µg/g naphthalene and 27 µg/g
pyrene was demonstrated while a content of 28 µg/g pyrene and a content of
5.3 µg/g of benz(a)pyrene were demonstrated in ink no. 11 (the stated results
are the average of the analysis in duplicate).

The selected PAHs did not demonstrate a content exceeding the detection
limits (0.15-0.5 µg/g) in five tattoo inks, see Table 4.6.

Table 4.6 Tattoo ink with no content of PAH

Ink no. Colour
30 Black
42 Black
48 Red
49 * Red
50 Violet
’*’ Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

The results of the analyses for PAH appear in Table 4.7-Table 4.9. Ave.
means the average of the analysis in duplicate and SD is the calculated
standard deviation of the analysis in duplicate. The specification of <DL
means that the result is below the detection limit (0.15-0.5 µg/g).

61
Table 4.7 Result of GC/MS analysis for PAH, CAS no. and detection limits, black and grey inks, µg/g
Ink no. 2, black 3, black 10, grey 11, black
Name CAS no. DL 2a 2b Ave. SD 3a 3b Ave. SD 10a 10b Ave. SD 11a 11b Ave. SD
Naphthalene 91-20-3 0.5 <DL <DL 63 98 81 25 1.2 0.73 1.0 0.3 1.4 1.5 1.4 0.1
Acenaphthylene 208-96-8 0.2 <DL <DL 1.9 2.0 1.9 0.04 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Acenaphtene 83-32-9 0.2 <DL <DL 1.6 1.8 1.7 0.1 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Fluorene 86-73-7 0.2 <DL <DL 0.37 0.41 0.39 0.03 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Phenanthrene/ 85-01-8 0.2 <DL <DL 1.4 1.6 1.5 0.1 <DL <DL 2.3 2.4 2.3 0.05
anthracene /120-12-7
Fluoranthene 206-44-0 0.2 <DL <DL 3.3 3.2 3.3 0.01 <DL <DL 7.4 7.6 7.5 0.1
Pyrene 129-00-0 0.2 <DL <DL 28 26 27 2 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.003 29 28 28 1.0
Benz(a)anthracene/ 56-55-3 0.2 <DL <DL 1.3 1.0 1.1 0.3 <DL <DL <DL <DL
chrysene /218-01-9
Benz(b)fluoranthene 205-99-2 0.2 0.30 0.34 0.32 0.03 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.99 1.3 1.1 0.2
Benz(k)flouranthene 207-08-9 0.2 0.32 0.35 0.33 0.02 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.90 1.2 1.0 0.2
Benz(a)pyrene 50-32-8 0.2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 4.7 6.0 5.3 0.9
Indeno(123)pyrene 193-39-5 0.15 0.17 0.18 0.17 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.63 0.69 0.66 0.04
Dibenz(ah)anthracene 53-70-3 0.15 0.18 0.21 0.19 0.02 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benz(ghi)perylene 191-24-2 0.15 0.16 0.19 0.17 0.02 <DL <DL <DL <DL 5.5 5.8 5.6 0.2

62
Table 4.8 Result of GC/MS analysis for PAH, black inks, µg/g
Ink no. 12, black 23, black 43, black 51, black 58, black
Name 12a 12b Ave. SD 23a 23b Ave. SD 43a 43b Ave. SD 51a 51b Ave. SD 58a 58b Ave. SD
Naphthalene 2.1 2.3 2.2 0.1 2.8 3.1 2.9 0.2 3.1 2.9 3.0 0.2 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.1 4.7 5.3 5.0 0.5
Acenaphthylene 1.2 1.4 1.3 0.1 1.4 1.8 1.6 0.3 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Acenaphtene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Fluorene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Phenanthrene/ anthracene 1.6 1.9 1.7 0.2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Fluoranthene 4.1 5.2 4.6 0.8 1.5 2.1 1.8 0.4 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Pyrene 21 26 23 3 12 17 15 4 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.76 0.71 0.73 0.03
Benz(a)anthracene/
chrysene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   
Benz(b)fluoranthene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   
Benz(k)flouranthene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   
Benz(a)pyrene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   
Indeno(123)pyrene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   
Dibenz(ah)anthracene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   
Benz(ghi)perylene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL   

63
Table 4.9 Result of GC/MS analysis for PAH, blue, red and orange inks, µg/g
Ink no. 15, blue 17, red 18*, red 20, orange 45, blue
Name 15a 15b Ave. SD 17a 17b Ave. SD 18a* 18b* Ave. SD 20a 20b Ave. SD 45a 45b Ave. SD
Naphthalene 2.0 1.8 1.9 0.2 1.6 1.5 1.6 0.1 1.7 1.6 1.6 0.1 1.8 0.81 1.3 0.7 2.3 3.3 2.8 0.7
Acenaphthylene <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <DL <DL
Acenaphtene <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <DL <DL
Fluorene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Phenanthrene/
anthracene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Fluoranthene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Pyrene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benz(a)anthracene/
chrysene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benz(b)fluoranthene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benz(k)flouranthene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benz(a)pyrene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Indeno(123)pyrene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Dibenz(ah)anthracene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benz(ghi)perylene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
<100 means that the detection limit has been increased due to interference of another substance with the same retention time and ions. The four tattoo inks are
from the same colour series
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

64
4.3.5 Results for p-phenylendiamine (PPD)

p-Phenylendiamine (CAS no. 106-50-3) above the detection limit of 4 µg/g

was not demonstrated in the 30 investigated tattoo inks, see Table 4.1 for
colour number.

4.3.6 Results for PAA liberated from azo colorants

A quantitative analysis was carried out for content of selected primary

aromatic amines (PAA) liberated from azo colorants in 19 tattoo inks. The
analysis also determined PAA, which is present in free form and not
necessarily liberated from the azo colorants, but can be added or be residue or
a break-down product.

A content of primary aromatic amines (PAA) was demonstrated in all of the

investigated tattoo inks, e.g. aniline and o-toluidine were demonstrated in 13
of the tattoo inks and o-anisidine was demonstrated in 15 tattoo inks.

Five products demonstrated a very high content of PAA – ink no. 26 (green),
27 (yellow) and 49 (red) are in question as o-anisidine was demonstrated and
53 (red) and 57 (brown) in which aniline and 4-Methyl-m-phenylendiamine
were demonstrated. Tattoo ink no. 49, 53 and 57 are registered in connection
with skin reactions.

Ink no. 53 (red) and 57 (brown) indicate a content of one or more azo
colorants that can liberate PAA. The reason is that when analysing for PAA,
which is not liberated from the azo colorants, a much smaller content of PAA
was demonstrated, see section 4.3.7. Ink no. 53 and 57 are from the same
manufacturer and no information exists from the supplier about which
pigments the colours contain.

Ink 26, 27 and 49 were not analysed for PAA, which is not liberated from the
azo colorants, see section 4.3.7. However, it is estimated that the high content
of PAA might indicate that the three colours also can contain an azo colour
pigment that can be decomposed to PAA. Ink no. 26 and 27 are from the
same manufacturer.

Within the analysis programme of this project it has not been possible to
identify the azo colorants and therefore it has not been possible to verify the
theory that the azo colorant is the source of the demonstrated high content of
PAA in the five products.

On the basis of the results, it is not possible to conclude that certain colours
contain specific PAA as the content in the colours differ a lot with regard to
concentration and with regard to which PAA has been demonstrated.

The results appear in Table 4.10-Table 4.14. Ave. means the average of the
analysis in duplicate and SD is the calculated standard deviation of the
analysis in duplicate. The specification of <DL means that the result is below
the detection limit.

65
Table 4.10 Result of GC/MS analysis for amount of free PAA and PAA liberated from azo colorants, CAS no. and detection limits, red inks, µg/g
Ink no. 1, red 5, red 18*, red 24*, red
Name CAS no. DL 1A 1B Ave. SD 5A 5B Ave. SD 18A* 18B* Ave. * SD 24A* 24B* Ave. * SD
Aniline 62-53-3 0.5 0.49 0.58 0.54 0.06 0.76 0.76 0.76 0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0 26 24 25 1
4-Aminobiphenyl 92-67-1 1 1.1 <DL 1.1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine 92-87-5 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine 95-69-2 2 1.1 1.2 1.2 0.1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine 91-59-8 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine 99-55-8 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 15 13 14 1
p-Chloroaniline 106-47-8 1 1.1 1.1 1.1 0 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Methoxy-m-
phenylenediamine 615-05-4 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline 101-77-9 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 91-94-1 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 7.3 5.1 6.2 1.6
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 119-90-4 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 119-93-7 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline 838-88-0 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
(p-Cresidine) 120-71-8 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-
chloroaniline) 101-14-4 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline 101-80-4 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline 139-65-1 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine 95-53-4 1 10 10 10 0.3 1.2 0.91 1.1 0.2 <DL <DL 6.8 6.2
4-Methyl-m-
phenylenediamine 95-80-7 1 1.2 1.2 1.2 0 <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.4 1.9
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline 137-17-7 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine 90-04-0 0.5 0.55 0.59 0.57 0.03 0.91 0.95 0.93 0.03 93 96 95 2 3.3 2.7 3.0 0.4
95-68-
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine 1/87-62-7 1 0.75 0.74 0.75 0.01 0.68 0.68 0.68 0 <DL <DL <DL <DL
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

66
Table 4.11 Result of GC/MST analysis for amount of free PAA and PAA liberated from azo colorants, red inks, µg/g
Ink no. 48*, red 49*, red 53*, red
Name 48A* 48B* Ave.* SD 49A* 49B* Ave.* SD 53A* 53B* Ave.* SD
Aniline 13 9.0 11 3 <DL <DL 320 280 300 28
4-Aminobiphenyl <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL 150 150 150 6
p-Chloroaniline 2.6 2.2 2.4 0.3 <DL <DL 99 100 100 1
4-Methoxy-m-phenylenediamine <DL <DL 28 51 40 16 <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL 5.9 5.6 5.8 0.2
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
(p-Cresidine) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine 4.0 4.6 4.3 0.4 <DL <DL 21 19 20 1
4-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL >400 >400 >400
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine 42 68 55 18 >424 >425 >424 5.7 1.4 3.6 3.0
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

67
Table 4.12 Result of GC/MS analysis for amount of free PAA and PAA liberated from azo colorants, blue and green inks, µg/g
Ink no. 7, green 26, green 44, green 45, blue 60, green
Name 7A 7B Ave. SD 26A 26B Ave. SD 44A 44B Ave. SD 45A 45B Ave. SD 60A 60B Ave. SD
Aniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.0 1.4 1.7 0.4
4-Aminobiphenyl <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 13 17 15 3 <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
p-Chloroaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Methoxy-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
(p-Cresidine) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-
chloroaniline) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine 2.6 2.6 2.6 0 <DL <DL 132 133 133 1 0.92 <DL 42 42 42 0
4-Methyl-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine <DL <DL 1800 1750 1775 35 9.6 1.4 5.5 5.8 0.96 0.54 0.75 0.30 <DL <DL
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL

68
Table 4.13 Result of GC/MS analysis for amount of freePAA and PAA liberated from azo colorants, yellow and orange inks, µg/g
Ink no. 20, orange 27, yellow 36*, yellow 65, orange
Name 20A 20B Ave. SD 27A 27B Ave. SD 36A* 36B* Ave.* SD 65A 65B Ave. SD
Aniline 55 57 56 1 <DL <DL 3.1 2.9 3.0 0.1 110 110 110 0
4-Aminobiphenyl <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.8 2.4 2.6 0.3
5-Nitro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
p-Chloroaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Methoxy-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.5 2.5 2.5 0 <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
(p-Cresidine) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-
chloroaniline) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine <DL <DL 0.70 0.66 0.68 0.03 <DL <DL 1.4 1.1 1.3 0.2
4-Methyl-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 13 18 16 4
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine <DL <DL 1050 1250 1150 141 5.6 5.5 5.6 0.1 <DL <DL
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
p-Phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

69
Table 4.14 Result of GC/MS analysis for amount of free PAA and PAA liberated from azo colorants, violet and brown inks, µg/g
Ink no. 35*, violet 37*, violet  57*, brown
Name 35A* 35B* Ave.* SD 37A* 37B* Ave.* SD 57A* 57B* Ave.* SD
Aniline 4.4 4.0 4.2 0.3 9.8 10.2 10 0.3 240 220 230 14
4-Aminobiphenyl <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL >400 >400
p-Chloroaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL 72 72 72 0
4-Methoxy-m-phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL 4.0 4.0 4.0 0
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
(p-Cresidine) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine 1.5 1.4 1.5 0.1 <DL <DL 13 13 13 0
4-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL >200 >200
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine 0.54 0.49 0.52 0.04 4.1 4.2 4.2 0.1 1.4 6.6 4.0 3.7
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
p-Phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL     <DL <DL
’*’ Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

70
4.3.7 Results for PAA from other sources

The quantitative content of selected primary aromatic amines (PAA) that did
not emerge from the decomposition of azo colorants was analysed in 24 tattoo
inks. In this report, these PAA are called “the free PAA”. The sources can e.g.
be residue from the production of pigments or from the decomposition of the
pigments. The analysis was carried out together with the analysis for PPD, see
results for PPD in section 4.3.5. In addition, the content of free PAA was also
demonstrated by analysis for PAA liberated from azo colorants as the results
in section 4.3.6 comprise the amount of free and liberated PAA.

Content of PAA above the detecction limit was not demonstrated in 10 of the
24 analysed tattoo inks. Ink no. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 20, 30 and 43 (red,
green, blue, grey and black) are in question.

Of the 24 tattoo inks, nine colours were analysed as they were registered in
connection with skin reactions, see section 1.7. In eight of the nine colours a
content of PAA was demonstrated, which does not originate from the
decomposition of azo colorants (ink no. 18, 24, 35, 36, 37, 48, 53 and 57).

The highest content of PAA that does not originate from the decomposition
of azo colorants was found in tattoo ink 53 (red) and 57 (brown), which also
are registered in connection with skin reactions.

In connection with the analysis for PDD, ink no. 53 demonstrated a higher
content of 5-Nitro-o-toluidine than was demonstrated in the analysis for PAA
liberated from azo colorants including PAA from other sources, see section
4.3.6. The discrepancy is presumably due to problems related to the
extraction of homogeneous subsamples, see section 4.2.1.

An additional 6 products were analysed for PAA in connection with analysis

for PAA that can be liberated from the azo colorants, see 4.3.6, where PAA
was demonstrated in all investigated inks. In total, a PAA content was
demonstrated in 20 out of 30 investigated inks.

On the basis of the results, it is not possible to conclude that certain inks
contain specific PAA as the content in the inks differs a lot with regard to
concentration and with regard to which PAA has been demonstrated.

The results of demonstrated PAA that have not appeared by decomposition of

azo colorants can be seen in Table 4.15-Table 4.17. Ave. means the average
of the analysis in duplicate and SD is the calculated standard deviation of the
analysis in duplicate. The specification of <DL means that the result is below
the detection limit.

71
Table 4.15 Result of GC/MS analysis for PAA that has not appeared from the decomposition of azo colorants. CAS no. and detection limits, black, blue and brown inks,
µg/g
Ink no. 23, black 25, blue 45, blue 57*, brown
Name CAS # DL 23A 23B Aver. SD 25A 25B Ave. SD 45C 45D Ave. SD 57C* 57D* Ave.* SD
Aniline 62-53-3 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 80 77 79 2
4-Aminobiphenyl 92-67-1 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine 92-87-5 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine 95-69-2 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL 5.8 6.0 5.9 0.1 <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine 91-59-8 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Aminoazotoluene 97-56-3 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine 99-55-8 5 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 58 57 58 0.7
p-Chloroaniline 106-47-8 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.2 1.9 2.1 0.2
4-Methoxy-m-phenylenediamine 615-05-4 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline 101-77-9 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 91-94-1 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 119-90-4 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 119-93-7 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline 838-88-0 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
(p-Cresidine) 120-71-8 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) 101-14-4 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline 101-80-4 10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline 139-65-1 2 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine 95-53-4 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 1.0 1.0 1.0 0
4-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine 95-80-7 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 1.7 1.8 1.8 0.1
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline 137-17-7 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine 90-04-0 1 4.6 5.2 4.9 0.4 4.6 5.2 4.9 0.4 <DL <DL <DL <DL
95-68-1/87-
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine 62-7 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.0
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

72
Table 4.16 Result of GC/MS analysis for PAA that has not appeared from the decompostion of azo colorants. Yellow, violet and red, µg/g
Ink no. 36*, yellow 35*, violet 37*, violet 50, violet 18*, red
Name 36C* 36D* Ave.* SD 35C* 35D* Ave.* SD 37C* 37D* Ave.* SD 50C 50D Ave. SD 18C* 18D* Ave.* SD
Aniline 2.3 2.2 2.3 0.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 0 1.6 1.6 1.6 0 <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Aminobiphenyl <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Aminoazotoluene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
p-Chloroaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Methoxy-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine
p-Cresidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-
chloroaniline) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine <DL <DL 0.90 0.80 0.85 0.07 <DL <DL 2.0 2.0 2.0 0 <DL <DL
4-Methyl-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine 4.5 4.7 4.6 0.1 <DL <DL 0.40 0.30 0.35 0.07 <DL <DL 4.6 5.2 4.9 0.4
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

73
Table 4.17 Result of GC/MS analysis for PAA that have not appeared from the decomposition of azo colorants. Red, µg/g
Colour no. 24*, red 34, red 48*, red 49*, red 53*, red
Name 24C* 24D* Ave.* SD 34A 34B Ave. SD 48C* 48D* Ave.* SD 49C* 49D* Ave.* SD 53C* 53D* Ave.* SD
Aniline 4.1 3.3 3.7 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 27 29 28 1
4-Aminobiphenyl <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Benzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4-Chloro-o-toluidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
2-Naphthylamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Aminoazotoluene <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
5-Nitro-o-toluidine 6.5 5.9 6.2 0.4 6.0 6.5 6.3 0 <DL <DL <DL <DL 190 190 190 3
p-Chloroaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 6.1 6.5 6.3 0.3
4-Methoxy-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-methylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 3.7 3.7 3.7 0
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
3,3'-Dimethylenedianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
6-Methoxy-m-toluidine p-
Cresidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4,'-Methylenebis(2-
chloroaniline) <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Oxydianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
4,4'-Thiodianiline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Toluidine 2.8 2.9 2.9 0.1 <DL <DL 1.1 1.2 1.2 0.1 <DL <DL 1.4 1.3 1.4 0.1
4-Methyl-m-
phenylenediamine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.6 2.6 2.6 0
2,4-5-Trimethylaniline <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
o-Anisidine 0.60 0.50 0.55 0.07 34 34 34 0 8.7 9.3 9.0 0.4 15 15 15 0 <DL <DL
2,4-Xylidine/2,6-xylidine <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

74
 4.3.8 Other PAA demonstrated through GC/MS analysis

The GC/MS analyses in section 4.3.6 and 4.3.7 demonstrated a content of

other PAA that are determined semi-quantitavely against aniline. The
substances were identified by means of their mass spectra by searching in the
NIST MS library.

The results show that in eight out of nine tattoo inks, registered in connection
with skin reactions, other PAA have been demonstrated (ink no. 18, 24, 35,
37, 48, 49, 53 and 57).

There can be a difference in the content determined by method GC/MS B,

see section 4.2.6, and GC/MS C, see 4.2.7, as method C measures the PAA
that have not appeared by decomposition of the azo colorants (”free PAA”),
while method B is the amount of PAA liberated from azo colorants and PAA
from other sources (”free PAA”).

Table 4.18 Semi-quantitative determination of other PAA through method GC/MS B, red colours, µg/g
Name CAS no. Ink no.
red red red red red red red
1A 5A 18A* 24A* 48A* 49A* 53A*
2-Ethoxybenzenamine 94-70-2 250 230 10 25 60 25
3-Methoxybenzenamine 536-90-3 140 12
Chloro-toluidine 95-74-9/615-65-6 14
4-Methyl-1,2-benzendiamine 496-72-0/95-70- 20
5/2687-25-4
Dichlorobenzamine 95-82-9/95-76- 130
1/608-27-5
4-Amino-2-hydroxytoluene 2835-95-2 7
Trichlorobenzamine 634-91-3/634-93- 20
5/636-30-6/634-67-3
Trichlorobenzamine 634-91-3/634-93- 1100
5/636-30-6/634-67-3
2-Nitro-p-toluidine 89-62-3 170
5-Chloro-2,4- 97-50-7 240
dimethoxybenzenamine
4-Chloro-2,5- 6358-64-1 80 6 10
dimethoxybenzenamine
1-Amino-2-naphthalenol 2834-92-6 10 14 40 110
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

Table 4.19 Semi-quantitative determination of other PAA through method GC/MS B, other colours, µg/g
Name Colour no.
green orange green yellow yellow violet green blue brown orange
7A 20A 26A 27A 36A* 37A* 44A 45A 57A* 65A
2-Ethoxybenzenamine 6 45 7 16
3-Methoxybenzenamine 20 14
Chloro-toluidine 10 7
Dichlorobenzamine 15 60 6
m-Isopropoxyaniline 100 10 65
5-Chloro-o-anisidine 340
4-Chloro-2,5- 70 170
dimethoxybenzenamine
2-Nitro-p-anisidine 14

75
Name Colour no.
green orange green yellow yellow violet green blue brown orange
7A 20A 26A 27A 36A* 37A* 44A 45A 57A* 65A
1-Amino-2-naphthalenol 6
Pentachloroaniline 10 80
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

Table 4.20 Semi-quantitative determination of other PAA through method GC/MS C, µg/g
Name CAS no. Colour no.
red gree blu red red red yello violet blue red
n e w
5C 13A 15A 18C* 24C* 34A 36C* 37C* 45C 49C
*
2-Ethoxybenzenamine 94-70-2 20 20 35 8 6 30
m-Isopropoxyaniline 41406-00-2 20 500
5-Chloro-o-anisidine 95-03-4 150
5-Chloro-2,4- 97-50-7 10
dimethoxybenzenamine
4-Chloro-2,5- 6358-64-1 180 5
dimethoxybenzenamine
2-Nitro-p-anisidine 96-96-8 4
Pentachloroaniline 527-20-8 15
* Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

4.4 Summary of results of chemical analyses

A wide range of different metals and other elements, e.g. Ba, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cu,
Zn, Cr, Ni, Ag, Au, Sn, Al, Si and As were demonstrated in the tattoo inks,
see section 4.3.1 and Table 4.2. No connection was demonstrated between
tattoo inks (colour) and content of certain elements exceeding the expected
Cu in the tattoo inks that contain phthalocyanines (e.g. green and blue
colours) and Ti in the tattoo inks that contain titanium dioxide (e.g. white
colour).

A comparison of results was carried out on 61 tattoo inks from analysis for
56
metals and other elements with the recommendations in ResAP(2008)1 of
the Council of Europe (also refer to Table 1.5 in section 1.10.1):
 As was demonstrated in 51 tattoo inks, however, all of them in
concentrations <2 µg/g (<2 ppm), as recommended in ResAP(2008)1
of the European Council.
 Ba was demonstrated in all 61 tattoo inks, and in 53 tattoo inks the
concentration was <50 µg/g (<50 ppm), as recommended in
ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe. In eight tattoo inks the
concentration was >50 µg/g (>50 ppm) (ink no. 13, 26, 27, 28, 33,
34, 61 and 63, two green, two yellow, one orange and three red,
respectively). The highest concentration is app. 1800 µg/g (ink no. 61,
yellow). The concentration of Ba might be underestimated if the
substance appears as barium sulphate.
 Cd was demonstrated in 45 tatoo inks, however, all in concentrations
<0.2 µg/g (<0.2 ppm) as recommended in ResAP(2008)1 of the

56
Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and
permanent make-up
 Council of Europe. One single colour has a concentration of 0.27 (ink
no. 64, peach).
 Co was demonstrated in 43 tattoo inks, however, all in concentrations
<25 µg/g (<25 ppm), as recommended in ResAP(2008)1 of the
Council of Europe.
 Cr was demonstrated in 57 tattoo inks and the highest concentration
was 31 µg/g (ink no. 20, orange). It is not possible to distinguish
between Cr III and Cr VI with the applied analysis method
(ICP/MS), and therefore it is not possible to compare the results with
those of ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe which state a limit
value for Cr VI of 0.2 µg/g.
 Cu was demonstrated in all 61 tattoo inks. By means of the applied
analysis method (ICP/MS) it is not possible to distinguish between
extractable copper and copper from phthalocyanines. A number of
tattoo inks that are not expected to contain phthalocyanines as they are
not green/blue contain Cu in concentrations <25 µg/g (<25 ppm) as
recommended in ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe. Two
tattoo inks no. 20 and 57 (orange and brown, respectively) contain
100 and 140 µg/g, respectively, which can be extractable copper or
copper from phthalocyanines. None of the two tattoo inks state a
content of phthalocyanines or extractable copper.
 Hg was demonstrated in two tattoo inks with a concentration of 0.11
µg/g (0.11 ppm) (ink no. 29, peach) and 0.038 µg/g (0.038 ppm, ink
no. 45, blue), which is below the recommended <0.2 ppm in
ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe.
 Ni was demonstrated in all 61 tattoo inks. The highest concentration
of Ni is 18 µg/g (ink no. 20, orange). ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of
Europe recommends that it should be stated on the label of the
product if there is a content of Ni, and the detection limit should be as
low as technically possible. No tattoo inks have a label stating that they
contain Ni.
 Pb was demonstreated in all 61 tattoo inks, but the vast majority
contain concentrations of <2 µg/g (<2 ppm) as recommended in
ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe. Pb concentrations of 3,2,
5,7, 9,3 and 10 µg/g, respectively, were found in four tattoo inks from
the same colour series (ink no. 7, 8, 6 and 4, green, blue, light green
and white, respectively).
 Se was demonstrated in 53 tattoo inks, however, all in concentrations
of <2 µg/g (<2 ppm) as recommended in ResAP(2008)1 of the
Council of Europe.
 Sb was demonstrated in 12 tattoo inks, however, all in concentrations
of <2 µg/g (<2 ppm) as recommended in ResAP(2008)1 of the
Council of Europe.
 Sn was demonstrated in 21 tattoo inks, however, in concentrations of
<50 µg/g (<50 ppm) as recommended in ResAP(2008)1 of the
Council of Europe.
 Zn was demonstrated in all 61 tattoo inks, however, all in
concentrations of <50 µg/g (<50 ppm) as recommended in
ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe, except for one single tattoo
ink (ink no. 33, red) with a concentration of 53 µg/g (53 ppm).
The content of carbon black was determined in five inks with 5.500 µg/g,
334.000 µg/g, 316.000 µg/g, 108.000 µg/g and 332.000 µg/g, respectively, (ink
no. 10, 12, 23, 30 and 43, respectively), see section 4.3.2. The three colours
with the highest content of carbon black are the black tattoo inks from the
most frequently used colour series (ink no. 12, 23 and 43). The colour with
the lowest content (5.500 µg/g) is grey (ink no. 10).

Six tattoo inks were investigated for phthalocyanines (blue, green and violet).
It is not stated on their labels or in their safety data sheets if they contain
phthalocyanines, see section 4.3.3. The analysis showed that all six
investigated tattoo inks contain phthalocyanines.

The phthalocyanines often contain copper and in the light of the Cu

discovered through ICP/MS screening, the highest content of phthalocyanines
was demonstrated in the blue colours, followed by the green. The highest
content was demonstrated in a blue colour (ink no. 15), where the content of
phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 was estimated to 189.000 µg/g, see section 4.3.3.

Quantitative analyses for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

demonstrated a content of PAH exceeding 0.5 µg/g in 14 of the 19
investigated tattoo inks (black, red, blue, orange and violet), see section 4.3.4.
ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe recommends <0.5 µg/g (<0.5 ppm).
The black inks have the highest content and that corresponds to a high
content of carbon black. The two highest concentrations that were
demonstrated were 81 µg/g of naphtalene and 27 µg/g of pyrene in ink no. 3
(the results are the averages of the analyses in duplicate).

p-Phenylendiamine (PPD) was not demonstrated in the 30 investigated tattoo

inks (black, red, blue, green, orange and violet), see section 4.3.5.

A content of primary aromatic amines (PAA) was demonstrated in all 19

investigated tattoo inks (in the colours red, yellow, orange, blue, green, violet
and brown), see section 4.3.6., which were analysed quantitavely for content
of selected PAA liberated from azo colorants. Aniline and o-toluidine were
e.g. demonstrated in 13 of the tattoo inks and o-anisidine was demonstrated in
15 tattoo inks. The ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of Europe recommends
that there should be no content of the demonstrated PAA. The analysis
includes PAA, which can be present in free form or as residue, and therefore
the result is no evidence that all 19 tattoo inks contain azo colorants that can
liberate PAA.

In five of the 19 investigated products a very high content of PAA was

demonstrated – concerning ink no. 26 (green), 27 (yellow) and 49 (red), in
which o-anisidine was demonstrated, and 53 (red) and 57 (brown), in which
aniline and 4-Methyl-m-phenylendiamine were demonstrated. Tattoo ink no.
49, 53 and 57 are registred in connection with skin reactions, see section1.7. It
is estimated that the demonstrated PAA could be liberated from the azo
colorants. It has not been possible within the analysis programme of this
project to verify the theory on content of azo colorants that can liberate PAA.

24 tattoo inks were analysed for content of free PAA, i.a. PAA that are not
liberated from azo colorants, but originate from another source, e.g. added
directly, residue during production of pigments or decomposition of
pigments. A content of free PAA above the detection limit was demonstrated
in 14 of the analysed tattoo inks. During the analysis for PAA that can be
liberated from the azo colorants another 6 colours were investigated for a
content of PAA and all colours contained PAA. Therefore, PAA was
demonstrated in 20 out of the 30 investigated inks.
All of the nine inks registered in connection with skin reactions when using
tattoo inks, see section 1.7 and chapter 6, demonstrated a content of free PAA
(ink no. 18, 24, 35, 36, 37, 48, 49, 53 and 57), see section 4.3.6, 4.3.7 and
4.3.8.

In addition to the PAA mentioned in ResAP(2008)1 of the Council of

Europe, a number of tattoo inks demonstrated other primary aromatic amines,
see section 4.3.8.

It is not possible on the basis of the results for analysis of PAA to conclude
that certain inks contain specific PAA as the content in the inks differ a lot
with regard to concentration and with regard to which PAA were
demonstrated.
5 Health Effect Assessment: Selected
chemical substances in tattoo inks

The health risks associated with chemical substances in tattoo inks are often
discussed. Since the tattoo inks are introduced directly into the skin, the
absorption from the tattood skin area as well as the critical effect(s) of a
specific chemical substance in the tattoo inks might differ compared to the
situation where the chemical substance is
applied directly on the skin either neat or incorporated in, e.g. colorants.

Tattoo inks contain generally one or more colorants (pigments) as well as

coformulants such as, e.g. binders (usually barium sulphate), additives
(substances loosely bound to the pigment in order to modify the properties of
the pigment), and solvents (usually ethanol and isopropanol). In addition, the
finished tattoo inks may also contain chemical impurities.
57
(Kemikalieinspektionen 2010 ).

The purpose of the health effect assessment conducted in this project was to
assess the possible health risks that might be associated with exposure to the
selected chemical substances after tattooing with the analysed tattoo inks.

5.1 Health effect assessment: Principles

The health effect assessments have been conducted according to the

principles outlined in the Danish EPA Guideline for the preparation of
reports in the series of “Survey of Chemical Substances in Consumer
58
Products” of 18 June 2009 .

According to this Guideline, the health effect assessment should be conducted

according to the same principles as laid down for health effect assessments of
chemical substances in the REACH Regulation. These principles are
described in detail in the REACH Guidance Documents, available on the
59
European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) website .

A health effect assessment (risk assessment) consists of a hazard assessment,

an exposure assessment and a risk characterisation. The principles for the
hazard assessment and the risk characterisation are briefly described in the
following sections (5.1.1 and 5.1.2). The hazard assessments of the selected
chemical substances in the analysed tattoo inks are described in Section 5.3,
and the risk characterisations are described in Section 5.4.

57
Farliga ämnen i tatueringfärger. Utredning av tellsynsansvar samt behov av
ytterligare reglering – rapport från ett regeringsupdrag som utförts i samråd med
Läkemedelsverket, Socialstyrelsen och Konsumentverket. Kemikalieinspektionen
Rapport Nr 3/10, 2010.
58
Vejledning til udarbejdelse af ”Kortlægning af kemiske stoffer i
forbrugerprodukter”. MILJØstyrelsen, Kemikalier, Forbrugergruppen, 18. juni 2009.
59
http://reach.jrc.it/docs/guidance_document/information_requirements_en.htm?time=
1222948859
5.1.1 Hazard assessment: Principles

A hazard assessment (effect assessment) is generally based on data elucidating

the toxicological effects in humans and experimental animals of a given
chemical substance.

Exposure to a chemical substance can result in a broad spectrum of

toxicological effects varying from mild effects such as e.g. irritation to more
severe effects as e.g. allergy and eventually to fatal poisonings. The type and
severity of the effects observed is generally correlated with the dose or
60 61
exposure concentration. (Nielsen et al. 2005 , Danish EPA 2006 ).

Most effects are considered as having a threshold, i.e., a dose or exposure

concentration below which the effect is not observed (threshold effects). The
highest dose not resulting in an adverse effect is often referred to as the
NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level), and the lowest dose resulting
in an effect is often referred to as the LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse
Effect Level). (Nielsen et al. 2005, Danish EPA 2006).

For certain effects, a threshold cannot be identified, e.g. many genotoxic

effects as well as carcinogenic effects caused by damage of the genetic
material (non-threshold effects). For these effects, a dose-dependent response
at all doses above zero is assumed and thus, some risk is considered to exist at
any exposure level. Consequently, a NOAEL or LOAEL cannot be
established for such effects. Instead a Benchmark Dose (e.g. BMDL10 or T25)
is often established. (Nielsen et al. 2005, Danish EPA 2006).

When all the relevant data have been evaluated, the “critical effect” is
identified, i.e. the effect considered as being the essential one for the
subsequent risk assessment. For critical effects with a threshold, a NOAEL or
LOAEL is then established; for the critical effects without a threshold, a
BMDL10 or a T25 is then established.

Based on the established NOAEL/LOAEL/BMDL10/T25, often referred to as

the 'Point of Departure' (PoD), a “Derived No Effect Level” (DNEL, for
threshold effects) or “Derived Minimal Effect Level” (DMEL, for non-
threshold effects) is derived by applying appropriate uncertainty factors, often
62
called assessment factors (AF). (ECHA, 2008 ).

5.1.2 Risk characterisation: Principles

Based on the hazard (effect) assessment, i.e. the identification of the critical
effect and establishment of DNEL/DMEL, and an exposure assessment, a
risk characterisation is carried out.

60
Principper for sundhedsmæssig vurdering af kemiske stoffer med henblik på
fastsættelse af kvalitetskriterier for luft, jord og vand. Elsa Nielsen, Grete Østergaard,
John Christian Larsen og Ole Ladefoged. Afdeling for Toksikologi og
Risikovurdering, Danmarks Fødevareforskning. Miljøprojekt Nr. 974 2005. In Danish
with an English summary.
61
Metoder til fastsættelse af kvalitetskriterier for kemiske stoffer i jord, luft og
drikkevand med henblik på at beskytte sundheden. Vejledning fra Miljøstyrelsen Nr. 5
2006. In Danish.
62
Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment Chapter
R.8: Characterisation of dose [concentration]-response for human health. European
Chemicals Agency, 2008.
The DNEL/DMEL represents the maximum exposure to which an individual
should be exposed. In the risk characterisation, the exposure estimates are
compared with the DNEL/DMEL and the so-called risk characterisation ratio
(RCR) is calculated, where RCR = exposure/DN(M)EL). If the exposure
estimate is lower than the DNEL/DMEL, i.e. RCR <1, the exposure is not
63
considered to pose a health risk in the given situation. (ECHA, 2008 ).

5.2 Selection of chemical substances for the health effect assessment

The chemical analyses (Chapter 4) have revealed a great variation in the

chemical composition of the analysed tattoo inks as well as in the
concentration of the chemical substances detected in the analysed tattoo inks.
Thus, it was not possible in this project to conduct a health effect assessment
for all the chemical substances found in the 61 analysed tattoo inks.
Therefore, only a number of the chemical substances has been selected for the
health effect assessment. The rationale for the selection of the substances is
described below.

In the survey phase of this project (Chapter 1) is was investigated which

tattoo inks the professional Danish tattooists used in 2010. Subsequently, 65
of these tattoo inks were purchased (listed in Table 1.3) and the concentration
of selected chemical substances / substance groups were analysed in 61 of the
65 tattoo inks in the analytical phase of the project (Chapter 4).

The selection of substances for the health effect assessment was primarily
based on the concentrations of the substances found in the analysed tattoo
inks. Substances for which the concentration in the analysed tattoo inks was
higher than the recommendations given in the Council of Europe’s
“Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on Requirements & Criteria for Safety of Tattoos
64
& Permanent Make Up” were selected for the health effect assessment. In
addition, other substances that were considered to pose a health risk at the
concentrations found in the analysed tattoo inks, based on expert judgement,
were also selected.

One or more of the following chemical substances / substance groups have

been analysed in 61 of the purchased tattoo inks (Table 4.1):

 Selected elements (61 inks)

 Carbon black (4 black inks and one gray)
 Phthalocyanines (6 inks)
 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (19 inks)
 Primary aromatic amines (PAA) released from azo dyes (19 inks)
 PAA not released from azo dyes, called ‘free’ PAA (24 inks).

The 61 tattoo inks were analysed for 66 elements, including the 13 elements
in the Council of Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 3 ‘Maximum allowed

63
Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment Chapter
R.8: Characterisation of dose [concentration]-response for human health. European
Chemicals Agency, 2008.
64
The Council of Europe Resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for
the safety of tattoos and permanent make-up. Adopted by the Committee of Ministers
on 20 February 2008 at the 1018th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies.
concentrations of impurities in products for tattoos’ (reproduced in Table 1.5
of this report).

Selected tattoo inks were analysed for 16 different PAH. In the Council of
Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 3 ‘Maximum allowed concentrations of
impurities in products for tattoos’, the maximum concentration for PAH is
0.5 ppm and for benzo(a)pyrene 5 ppb. The recommended maximum
concentration for PAH is a total concentration and it has not been further
specified which PAH are included in the total concentration.

Selected tattoo inks were analysed for 23 different PAA (free PAA as well as
the sum of free PAA and PAA released from azo dyes). The 23 PAA
represent 15 of the 20 aromatic amines included in the Council of Europe’s
ResAP(2008)1 Table 1 ‘List of aromatic amines, particularly with regard to
their carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic and sensitising properties, which
should neither be present in tattoos and PMU products nor released from
azo-colorants’ as well as the seven aromatic amines in the Council of Europe’s
ResAP(2008)1 Table 1 mentioned as ‘Other substances classified as
carcinogens in Categories 1, 2, and 3 by the European Commission and
mentioned in the Council Directive 1967/548/EEC’, including p-
phenylenediamine.
In addition, the selected tattoo inks were also analysed for aniline, which is not
included in the Council of Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 1.

The following substances / substance groups were found in higher

concentrations than the maximum allowed concentrations in the Council of
Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 3: Chromium (56/61 inks), nickel (all 61
inks), barium (8/61 inks), copper (17/61 inks), lead (4/61 inks), cadmium
(2/61 inks), PAH (14/19 analysed inks), and benzo(a)pyrene (1 /19 analysed
inks).
For chromium, it should be noted that the applied analytical method could
not distinguish between Cr(III) and Cr(VI). The maximum allowed
concentration in the Council of Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 3 is for
Cr(VI).
For copper, it should be noted that the applied analytical method could not
distinguish between soluble copper and copper released from
phthalocyanines. The maximum allowed concentration in the Council of
Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 3 is for soluble copper.
These six elements and PAH were selected for the health effect assessment.

The analyses of free PAA (24 inks) as well as of the sum of free PAA and
PAA released from azo dyes (19 inks) revealed that up to 2/3 of the tattoo inks
contained one or more of the aromatic amines listed in the Council of
Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 1 of aromatic amines that should neither be
present in tattoos nor released from azo-colorants.
The following PAA were found: o-anisidine (14 inks: sum 11 / free 5), 5-
nitro-o-toluidine (4 inks: sum 3 / free 4), p-chloroaniline (4 ink: sum 4 / free
2) , 3.3 '-dichlorobenzidine (4 inks: sum 4 / free 1), 4-methyl-m-
phenylenediamine (5 inks: sum 5 / free 2), 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine
(a single ink: sum 1 / free 0), 4-chloro-o-toluidine (a single ink: sum 1 / free
1), 2-naphthylamine (a single ink: sum 1 / free 0) and o-toluidine (12 inks:
sum 11 / free 5). It should be noted that p-phenylenediamine (PPD) was not
found in any of the analysed tattoo inks.
Aniline (not included in the Council of Europe’s ResAP(2008)1 Table 1) was
also found in the analysed inks (11 inks: sum 11 / free 6).
These 10 PAA were selected for the health effect assessment.

Aluminum (> 10 µg/g) was found in most of the tattoo inks (52/61) and
titanium (> 10 µg/g) in about half of the inks (34/61). Both elements were
selected for the health assessment.

For seven of the black tattoo inks it was noted on the packaging and/or the
data sheet that carbon black was used as a pigment (Annex B). Carbon black
was found in very high concentrations (> 100,000 µg/g) in the four analysed
black inks as well as in the gray ink (5,500 µg/g). Carbon black was selected
for the health effect assessment, as it occurs in the majority of black inks and
in high concentrations in the analysed inks, and since black ink is the most
commonly used one in tattooing (Section 1.6.2).

For 13 tattoo inks (6 blue, 6 green, 1 purple) it wwas noted on the packaging
and/or the data sheet that they contained phthalocyanines (Annex B).
Phthalocyanines were analysed in six inks, where neither the packaging nor
the data sheet informed that the ink contained phthalocyanines;
phthalocyanines were found in all six inks.
Phthalocyanines were selected for the health effect assessment as they occur in
many inks.

5.3 Hazard assessment of the selected chemical substances

For the selected chemical substances, the hazard assessment included an

identification of the critical effect(s) in relation to tattooing and establishment
of a DNEL or DMEL for the critical effect(s), if possible. Some types of
effects such as, e.g. acute toxicity and local irritation of eyes and airways were
not considered as being relevant in relation to tattooing and therefore, these
types of effects were not addressed further in this report.

The identification of the critical effect(s) were based on the EU classification

65
of substances according to Annex I of the Council Directive 1967/548/EEC
(short form: 67-Directive in section 5.3) and the IARC classification for
carcinogenic effects when available, as well as on the critical effects identified
in selected expert opinions from national and international bodies. The
NOAELs / LOAELs presented below are generally those established in the
selected expert opinions from national and international bodies.

5.3.1 Elements

5.3.1.1 Aluminium
Aluminium is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive, and has not been evaluated by IARC.

In Denmark, a health-based quality criterion for aluminium and inorganic

66
compounds in drinking water has been set (Beltoft and Nielsen 2001 ). The

65
Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws,
regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and
labelling of dangerous substances. Official Journal of the European Communities L
196, 16.8.1967, p. 1.
66
Beltoft V and Nielsen E (2001): Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to
aluminium and inorganic compounds and estimation of a quality criterion in drinking
water. The Institute of Food Safety and Toxicology, Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration. Prepared for the Danish EPA.
critical effect was considered to be the neurological effects observed in
humans. The available human data were considered inadequate for the
establishment of a NOAEL or LOAEL for the critical effect.

JECFA has more recently evaluated aluminium as a food additive (JECFA

67
2007 ). The critical effects were considered to be the effects on the
reproductive system and the effects on the developing nervous system. JECFA
has stated that the available studies have many limitations and are not
adequate for defining the dose-response relationships. Based on studies with
rats, mice and dogs given aluminium in the diet, JECFA considered the
LOEL to be in the range of 50-75 mg Al/kg bw per day.
Based on the lower end of the range of the LOELs (50 mg Al/kg bw per day)
and application of an overall uncertainty factor of 300 (10 for interspecies
differences, 10 for interindividual differences, 3 for deficiencies in the
database), and because of the potential for bioaccumulation, JECFA
established a PTWI (Provisonal Tolerable Weekly Intake) of 1 mg Al/kg bw.

The PTWI can be converted to a daily dose of approximately 0.2 mg Al/kg

bw, which, in principle, corresponds to a DNEL.
68
In the Danish document (Beltoft and Nielsen 2001 ), it is mentioned that
some individuals are unusual sensitive to some types of aluminium containing
antiperspirants and develop skin rashes, which may be related to aluminium.

A well-documented case of aluminium-induced granulomas in a tattoo has

been described in Chapter 6 of this report. Aluminium can induce allergic
reactions in the skin as well as eczema and inflammation; however, it is still
unclear whether these reactions actually are allergic or might be toxicological
based on the special physico-chemical reactions that can take place on the
surface of particles.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of aluminium in relation to tattooing is
considered to be the granulomas in tattoos developed as a result of a local
foreign body reaction (see Chapter 6). It cannot be excluded that an allergic
reaction might also be involved. A DNEL cannot be established for the critical
effect.
The critical systemic effects of aluminium are considered to be the effects on
the reproductive system and the developing nervous system. The PTWI set
by JECFA is 1 mg Al/kg bw (approximately 0.2 mg Al/kg bw per day, which,
in principle, corresponds to a DNEL).

5.3.1.2 Barium
Barium is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive.

Barium compounds (except barium sulphate, some organic compounds, and

other compounds independently included in Annex I) are classified ‘Xn,
R20/22 - harmful by inhalation and if swallowed’.

67
JECFA (2007). Aluminium from all sources, including food additives (addendum).
In: WHO Food Additive Series 58, pp. 119-207.
68
Beltoft V and Nielsen E (2001): Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to
aluminium and inorganic compounds and estimation of a quality criterion in drinking
water. The Institute of Food Safety and Toxicology, Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration. Prepared for the Danish EPA.
Barium chloride is classified ‘T; R25 - toxic if swallowed’ and ‘Xn, R20 -
harmful by inhalation’.

Barium has not been evaluated by IARC.

In Denmark, a health-based quality criterion for barium and inorganic water-

soluble barium compounds in drinking water has been set (Nielsen and
69
Ladefoged 2006 ). The critical effect was considered to be the cardiovascular
effects observed in humans. Based on a NOAEL of 0.21 mg Ba/kg bw per day
and a total uncertainty factor of 10 (for interindividual differences), a TDI
(Tolerable Daily Intake) of 0.021 mg Ba/kg bw was calculated.

The TDI corresponds, in principle, to a DNEL.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of barium in relation to tattooing is
considered to be the cardiovascular effects. The DNEL is set at 0.02 mg
Ba/kg bw per day.

5.3.1.3 Cadmium
Cadmium is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive.

Cadmium compounds (except compounds independently included in Annex

I) are classified ‘Xn; R20/21/22 - harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin
and if swallowed’.
Cadmium chloride and cadmium sulphate are classified ‘Carc. Cat. 2; R45 -
may cause cancer’, ‘Muta. Cat. 2; R46 - may cause heritable genetic damage’,
‘Repr. Cat. 2; R60-61 - may impair fertility and may cause harm to the
unborn child’, ‘T+; R26 - very toxic by inhalation’, ‘T; R25 - toxic if
swallowed’ and ‘T; R48/23/25 - toxic: danger of serious damage to health by
prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed’.
70
IARC (IARC 1993 ) has classified cadmium and cadmium compounds in
Group 1 ‘carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: sufficient; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient). The Working Group noted that, in making
the overall evaluation, they took into consideration the evidence that ionic
cadmium causes genotoxic effects in a variety of types of eukaryotic cells,
including human cells. This note should probably be seen in light of the fact
that cadmium and cadmium compounds primarily have shown carcinogenic
effects in the lungs after inhalation, but tumours have also been observed in
other organs (prostate and kidney). The IARC evaluation was not changed at
71
the more recent IARC Expert Meeting in March 2009 (Straif et al. 2009 ).

69
Nielsen E and Ladefoged O (2006): Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to
Inorganic water-soluble barium compounds. Department of Toxicology and Risk
Assessment, Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research. Prepared for the
Danish EPA.
70
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 58,
Beryllium, Cadmium, Mercury, and Exposures in the Glass Manufacturing Industry.
IARC, Lyon, France, 1993, p. 119.
71
Straif K, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, Baan R, Grosse Y, Secretan B, El Ghissassi F,
Bouvard V, Guha N, Freeman C, Galichet L, Cogliano V (2009). A review of human
carcinogens - Part C: metals, arsenic, dusts, and fibres, on behalf of the WHO
International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group.
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. Lancet 10, 453-454.
Cadmium and cadmium oxide have been included in the EU’s risk assessment
72
program for existing substances (EU-RAR 2007 ). The risk assessment
report also addressed the harmful health effects of ionic cadmium.
The critical effects after repeated exposure over a prolonged time were
considered to be the effects on bones and kidneys observed in humans; the
LOAEL was set at 2 µg Cd/g creatinine. In the risk characterisation, a
reference MOS (Margin of Safety) of 3 was considered because a NOAEL
could not be established. The reference MOS corresponds, in principle, to an
overall uncertainty factor.
With regard to reproductive and developmental toxicity, it was noted that the
effects have been observed at high doses in studies of experimental animals
that received water-soluble cadmium compounds orally. A NOAEL of 1 mg
Cd/kg bw per day was established for effects on fertility and sex organs in
experimental animals (rats). In the risk characterisation, a reference MOS of
100 (10 for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual variation) was
considered.
With regard to the carcinogenic effects and genotoxicity, no threshold was
considered to exist and hence, a NOAEL or LOAEL was not established. It
should be noted that cadmium and cadmium compounds primarily causes
cancer in the lungs after inhalation. The carcinogenic effect of cadmium is
therefore, not considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.

Based on the LOAEL of 2 µg Cd/g creatinine (approximately 40 µg Cd/day,

corresponding to approximately 0.6 µg Cd/kg bw per day for an adult person
weighing 70 kg) and application of an overall uncertainty factor of 3, a DNEL
of approximately 0.2 µg Cd/kg bw per day can be established. It should be
noted that since cadmium accumulates in the body, the DNEL should be set
as an average value over a week or a month.

In 2009, EFSA established a TWI (Tolerable Weekly Intake) of 2.5 µg Cd/kg

bw (approximately 0.4 µg Cd/kg bw per day) based on effects on the kidneys
73 74
observed in humans (EFSA 2011 ) . JECFA (JECFA 2010 ) has established
a PTMI (Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake) of 25 µg Cd/kg bw
(approximately 0.8 µg Cd/kg bw per day) based on the same data as EFSA
used in establishing their TWI (EFSA 2011).

It should be noted that the DNEL (approximately 0.2 µg Cd/kg bw per day)
is of the same magnitude as the EFSA TWI (converted to a daily dose of
approximately 0.4 µg Cd/kg bw per day) as well as the JECFA PTMI
(converted to a daily dose of approximately 0.8 µg Cd/kg bw per day).

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effects of cadmium in relation to tattooing is
considered to be the effects on bones and kidneys. The DNEL is set at 0.2 µg
Cd/kg bw per day. It should be noted that since cadmium accumulates in the
body, the DNEL should be set as an average value over a week or a month.

72
European Union Risk Assessment Report. Cadmium oxide. CAS No.: 1306-19-0,
EINECS No: 215-146-2. European Communities, 2007.
73
Scientific Opinion: Statement on tolerable weekly intake for cadmium.
EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM), EFSA Journal
2011;9(2):1975.
74
Cadmium. In: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Seventy-
third meeting, Geneva, 8-17 June 2010. Summary and Conclusions, p. 17. Issued 24
June 2010.
5.3.1.4 Chromium
Chromium is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive.
Chromium compounds (except compounds independently included in Annex
I) are classified ‘Carc. Cat. 2; R49 - may cause cancer by inhalation’ and ‘R43
- may cause sensitisation by skin contact’.
75
IARC (IARC 1990 ) has classified chromium (VI) compounds in Group 1
‘carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: sufficient; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient), and metallic chromium and chromium (III)
compounds in Group 3 ‘not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans’
(human evidence: inadequate; evidence in experimental animals: inadequate).
The IARC evaluation was not changed at the more recent IARC Expert
76
Meeting in March 2009 (Straif et al. 2009 ).
It should be noted that chromium (VI) compounds have primarily shown a
carcinogenic effect in the airways (lung, nasal cavity, sinuses) after inhalation.

Five specific chromium (VI) compounds (chromium trioxide, sodium

chromate, sodium dichromate, ammonium dichromate, potassium
dichromate) have been included in the EU’s risk assessment program for
77
existing substances (EU-RAR 2005 ). In the risk assessment report it is noted
that chromium (VI) becomes reduced to chromium (III) after entering the
body, and that repeated exposure leads to accumulation of chromium in
several tissues and organs.
In the risk characterisation, skin sensitisation resulting from contact with
chromium (VI) is mentioned as being relatively common in humans working
with chromium compounds.
The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged period of time
was considered to be the effects in the kidneys observed in workers. The
available data were not considered sufficient for establishing a NOAEL or
LOAEL.
With regard to the carcinogenic effect, no threshold was considered to exist
and hence, a NOAEL or LOAEL was not established. It should be noted that
chromium (VI) compounds are classified as carcinogenic in the respiratory
tract after inhalation. The carcinogenic effect of chromium (VI) compounds
is therefore, not considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of chromium (VI) in relation to
tattooing is considered to be sensitisation. A DNEL cannot be established for
the critical effect.

75
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 49,
Chromium, nickel and welding. IARC, Lyon, France, 1990. pp. 257-446.
76
Straif K, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, Baan R, Grosse Y, Secretan B, El Ghissassi F,
Bouvard V, Guha N, Freeman C, Galichet L, Cogliano V (2009). A review of human
carcinogens - Part C: metals, arsenic, dusts, and fibres, on behalf of the WHO
International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group.
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. Lancet 10, 453-454.
77
European Union Risk Assessment Report. Chromium trioxide, sodium chromate,
sodium dichromate, ammonium dichromate and potassium dichromate. CAS-No.:
1333-82-0, 7775-11-3, 10588-01-9, 7789-09-5 and 7778-50-9, EINECS-No.: 215-
607-8, 231-889-5, 234-190-3,232-143-1 and 231-906-6. European Communities,
2005.
5.3.1.5 Copper
Copper is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive.
Copper chloride is classified ‘Xn, R22 - harmful if swallowed’.
Copper sulphate is classified ‘Xn, R22 - harmful if swallowed’ and ‘Xi,
R36/38 - irritating to eyes and skin’.

Copper or copper compounds have not been evaluated by IARC.

In Denmark, a health-based quality criterion for copper in drinking water has

78
been set (Nielsen 1997 ). The critical effect following intake of excess copper
in drinking water was considered to be the irritative effects in the
gastrointestinal tract observed in humans. A NOAEL or LOAEL for the
critical effect could not be established based on the available data. The only
systemic effects reported were effects in the liver in young children. It should
be noted that it is still discussed whether the effects observed in the liver can
be attributed to copper in drinking water.

Copper sulphate, but not copper chloride is classified as a skin irritant.

Copper and four specific copper salts (copper (II) sulphate, copper (I) oxide,
copper (II) oxide and dicopper chloride trihydroxide) have been included in
the EU’s risk assessment program for existing substances (the copper industry
79
has, on a voluntarily basis, submitted a risk assessment report V-RAR 2007 ).
According to the risk assessment report, no human data on skin irritation are
available. Data from experimental animal studies conducted according to
current test guidelines indicated that copper (II) sulphate and copper (I)
oxide are mild skin irritants (based on results from only a single study). Based
on these data it was concluded (in the risk assessment report) that a
classification for skin irritation according to EU classification criteria is not
warranted for these two copper salts.

The justification for a classification of copper sulphate, but not copper

chloride as skin irritants is not known. Based on the data on skin irritation as
reflected in the risk assessment report (V-RAR 2007), it is considered that
skin irritation is not likely to be a critical effect of copper in relation to
tattooing.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, no critical health effects of copper in relation to tattooing
have been identified.

5.3.1.6 Lead
Lead is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive.

Lead compounds (except compounds independently included in Annex I) are

classified ‘Repr. Cat. 1; R61 - may cause harm to the unborn child’, ‘Repr.

78
Nielsen E (1997). Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to copper and
estimation of a limit value in drinking water. The Instituttet of Toxicology, National
Food Agency, Denmark. Prepared for the Danish EPA.
79
European Union Risk Assessment Report. Copper, copper II sulphate
pentahydrate, copper(I)oxide, copper(II)oxide, dicopper chloride trihydroxide. CAS
No.: 7440-50-8, 7758-99-8, 1317-39-1, 1317–38–0, 1332-65-6, EINECS No: 231–
159–6, 231–847–6, 215-270-7, 215–269–1, 215-572-9. Voluntary Risk Assessment,
European Copper Institute, June 2007.
Cat. 3; R62 - possible risk of impaired fertility’, ‘Xn, R20/22 - harmful by
inhalation and if swallowed’ and ‘R33 – danger of cumulative effects’.
80
IARC (IARC 2006 ) has classified inorganic lead compounds in Group 2A
‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: limited; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient) and organic compounds in group 3 ‘not
classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans’ (human evidence:
inadequate; evidence in experimental animals: inadequate). For the organic
lead compounds, the Working group has noted that these are metabolised, at
least in part, to ionic lead both in humans and animals and may consequently
exert the toxicities associated with inorganic lead.

In Denmark, a health-based quality criterion for lead and inorganic lead

81
compounds in soil has been set (Nielsen 2004 ).
The critical effects were considered to be the effects on the nervous,
haematopoietic and reproductive systems, and the carcinogenic effect. It
should be noted that the mode of action for the carcinogenic effect is not
completely understood and that tumours have only been seen at relatively
high doses. The carcinogenic effect of lead is therefore, not considered as a
critical effect in relation to tattooing.
The most critical effect of lead at low concentrations was considered to be the
effects on the developing nervous system. It is still discussed whether there is a
threshold for the effects on the developing nervous system. Therefore, a
NOAEL or LOAEL for the most critical effect could not be established.

In their most recent opinion, the EFSA’s CONTAM Panel concluded that
there is no evidence for a threshold for the critical effects of lead, including
82
developmental neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in adults (EFSA 2010 ).
th
Based on the available data, a BMDL01 (95 percentile lower confidence limit
of the benchmark dose (BMD) of 1% extra risk) for the critical effects on the
developing nervous system (children as well as the unborn child) was
calculated at 12 µg B-Pb/liter. Using an “Integrated Exposure Uptake
Biokinetic (IEUBK) model” for lead in children, the BMDL01 of 12 µg B-
Pb/liter was converted to a dietary intake value of 0.50 µg Pb/kg bw per day.

In an opinion on lead and lead compounds in jewellery, adopted by the

ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) in the spring of 2011, it was
concluded that no threshold for the adverse effect has been identified in
83
humans (ECHA 2011 ). In their risk assessment, RAC used 1/10 of the
EFSA BMDL01 of 0.50 µg Pb/kg bw per day, i.e. 0.05 µg Pb/kg bw per day as
a sort of a tolerable DMEL.

80
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 87,
Inorganic and Organic Lead Compounds. IARC, Lyon, France, 2006.
81
Nielsen E (2004): Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to lead and inorganic
lead compounds and estimation of a quality criterion in soil. Department of
Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research.
Prepared for the Danish EPA.
82
EFSA (2010). Scientific Opinion on Lead in Food. EFSA Panel on Contaminants
in the Food Chain (CONTAM), EFSA Journal 2010; 8(4):1570, European Food
Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy.
83
ECHA (2011). Opinion on an Annex XV dossier proposing restrictions on lead and
lead compounds in jewellery. ECHA/RAC/RES-O-0000001304-85-03/F adopted 10
March 2011. European Chemicals Bureau, Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC),
Helsinki, Finland.
Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of lead in relation to tattooing is
considered to be the effects on the developing nervous system (children as
well as the unborn child). A DNEL for the critical effect cannot be
established.
ECHA/RAC has set 0.05 µg Pb/kg bw per day as a sort of a tolerable DMEL.
5.3.1.7 Nickel

According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, nickel is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 3;

R40 - limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect’, ‘T; R48/23 - toxic: danger of
serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation’ and ‘R43
- may cause sensitisation by skin contact’.
Nickel sulphate is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 1; R49 - may cause cancer by
inhalation’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of irreversible effects’, ‘Repr.
Cat. 2; R61 - may cause harm to the unborn child’, ‘T; R48/23 - toxic: danger
of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation’, ‘Xn,
R20/22 - harmful by inhalation and if swallowed’, ‘Xi, R38 – irritating to skin’
and ‘R42/43 - may cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact’.
Nickel chloride is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 1; R49 - may cause cancer by
inhalation’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of irreversible effects’, ‘Repr.
Cat. 2; R61 - may cause harm to the unborn child’, ‘T; R23/25 - toxic by
inhalation and if swallowed’, ‘T; R48/23 - toxic: danger of serious damage to
health by prolonged exposure through inhalation’, ‘Xi, R38 – irritating to
skin’ and ‘R42/43 - may cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact’.
Nickel nitrate is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 1; R49 - may cause cancer by
inhalation’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of irreversible effects’, ‘Repr.
Cat. 2; R61 - may cause harm to the unborn child’, ‘T; R48/23 - toxic: danger
of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation’, ‘Xn,
R20/22 - harmful by inhalation and if swallowed’, ‘Xi, R38 – irritating to
skin’, ‘Xi; R41 - risk of serious damage to eyes’ and ‘R42/43 - may cause
sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact’.
84
IARC (IARC 1990 ) has classified nickel(II) compounds in Group 1
‘carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: sufficient; evidence in
experimental animals: limited), and metallic nickel in group 2B ‘possibly
carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient). The IARC evaluation was not changed at
85
the more recent IARC Expert Meeting in March 2009 (Straif et al. 2009 ).
It should be noted that nickel(II) compounds have primarily shown a
carcinogenic effect in the airways (lung, nasal cavity, sinuses) after inhalation.

Metallic nickel and four specific nickel compounds (nickel sulphate, nickel
chloride, nickel nitrate, nickel carbonate) have been included in the EU’s risk
assessment program for existing substances. Denmark was the rapporteur and
thus responsible for the preparation of the risk assessment reports. Based on
these reports, a background document for the setting of a health-based quality

84
IARC (1990). IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to
humans, Volume 49, Chromium, nickel and welding. IARC, Lyon, France, 1990. pp.
257-446.
85
Straif K, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, Baan R, Grosse Y, Secretan B, El Ghissassi F,
Bouvard V, Guha N, Freeman C, Galichet L, Cogliano V (2009). A review of human
carcinogens - Part C: metals, arsenic, dusts, and fibres, on behalf of the WHO
International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group.
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. Lancet 10, 453-454.
criterion for inorganic nickel salts in drinking water has been prepared
86
(Nielsen and Larsen 2010 ).
With regard to sensitisation, nickel is noted as being well known as a skin
sensitiser in humans, and is one of the most frequent skin sensitisers in
humans.
The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged period of time
was considered to be the developmental toxicity as severe effects were seen in
the offspring of rats in a two-generation study. Based on the NOAEL of 1.1
mg Ni/kg bw per day and application of a total uncertainty factor of 200 (10
for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual variation, 2 because of the
severity of the effects observed (deaths) at the LOAEL, which is only twice as
high as the NOAEL), a TDI (Tolerable Daily Intake) of 5.5 µg Ni/kg bw per
day was established.
With regard to the carcinogenic effect, it should be noted that nickel and
nickel compounds are classified as carcinogenic in the respiratory tract after
inhalation. The carcinogenic effect of nickel and nickel compounds is
therefore, not considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.

The TDI is in principle similar to a DNEL.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of nickel in relation to tattooing is
considered to be sensitisation. A DNEL for the critical effect cannot be
established.
Nickel sulphate, nickel chloride and nickel nitrate are classified as skin irritants
and thus, it cannot be excluded that skin irritation might be a critical effect in
relation to tattooing as well.
The critical systemic effects of nickel are considered to be the developmental
effects. The DNEL is set at 5.5 µg Ni/kg bw per day for the systemic effects.

5.3.1.8 Titanium
Titanium and titanium dioxide are not classified for health effects according
to Annex I of the 67-Directive.
87
IARC (IARC 1989 ) has classified titanium dioxide in group 3 ‘not
classifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans’ (human evidence: inadequate;
evidence in experimental animals: limited). It should be noted that a
carcinogenic effect was only observed in the lungs after inhalation. The
possible carcinogenic potential of titanium dioxide is therefore, not considered
as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.

Titanium dioxide can be manufactured to form two crystal structures, anatase

and rutile.
88
JECFA has evaluated titanium dioxide as a food additive (JECFA 1969 ).
Establishment of an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) was considered
unnecessary by JECFA because titanium dioxide is a very insoluble
compound and because studies in several species, including humans, showed

86
Nielsen E and Larsen PB (2010): Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to
nickel, inor-ganic and soluble salts and proposal of a health-based quality criterion for
drinking water. Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, National Food
Institute, Technical University of Denmark / Danish EPA. Prepared for the Danish
EPA.
87
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 47,
Titanium dioxide. IARC, Lyon, France, 1989. p. 307.
88
150. Titanium dioxide. FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 46a.
neither significant absorption nor tissue storage following ingestion. In their
evaluation, JECFA did not distinguish between the anatase and rutile form of
titanium dioxide.
89
In the EU (Directive 94/36/EC ), titanium dioxide (E 171) is adopted on the
list of permitted food colours. According to the specification, only the anatase
form was approved as a food additive.
EFSA has more recently assessed the safety in use of the rutile form as an
alternative to the permitted anatase form (EFSA 2004 90). EFSA considered
that the two forms were similar chemically, but differed in their crystalline
structure and light reflectance. It was agreed that the bioavailability of the two
forms was essentially the same and therefore, the toxicological database would
be applicable to either form. On this basis EFSA noted that the platelet form
of rutile titanium dioxide could be used to replace the anatase titanium
dioxide in any of its current applications. This has subsequently been
endorsed in the EU legislation, i.e. the rutile form is now also permitted as a
food additive (pigment) (Directive 2006/33/EC 91).

Titanium dioxide is generally considered as being an inert substance and thus,

not to possess any harmful health effects. Titanium dioxide occurs often in
the form of nanoparticles in tattoo inks. It was recently reported that titanium
dioxide nanoparticles caused pulmonary effects (changes in expression of
genes related to inflammation and immune reactions) after inhalation
(Halappanavar et al. 2011 92). Based on the available knowledge, it is,
however, not possible to assess the possible critical health effects of titanium
dioxide as nanoparticles.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the possible critical health effects of titanium or titanium
dioxide (nanoparticles) in relation to tattooing cannot be identified.

5.3.2 Carbon black

Carbon black is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the
67-Directive.
93
IARC (IARC 2006 ) has classified carbon black in Group 2B ‘possibly
carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient). The classification is probably based on a
carcinogenic effect in studies of laboratory animals (rats) exposed to carbon

89
European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours
for use in foodstuffs. Official Journal of the European Communities L 237/13,
10.9.1994.
90
Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids
and materials in Contact with Food on a request from the Commission related to the
safety in use of rutile titanium dioxide as an alternative to the presently permitted
anatase form. The EFSA Journal (2004) 163:1-12.
91
Kommissionens direktiv 2006/33/EF af 20. marts 2006 om ændring af direktiv
95/45/EF for så vidt angår sunset yellow FCF (E 110) og titandioxid (E 171) (EØS-
relevant tekst). EU-Tidende nr. L 082 af 21/03/2006 s. 0010-0013.
92
Halappanavar S. Jackson P., Williams A., Jensen K.A., Hougaard K.S., Vogel U.,
Yauk C.L., Wallin H. Pulmonary response to surface-coated nanotitanium dioxide
particles includes induction of acute phase response genes, inflammatory cascades,
and changes in microRNAs: A toxicogenomic study. Environ Mol Mutagen 2011;
DOI 10.1002/em.20639.
93
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 93,
Carbon Black. IARC, Lyon, France, 2006.
black by inhalation. The carcinogenic effect of carbon black is therefore, not
considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.
94
JECFA has evaluated carbon black as a food additive (JECFA ). An ADI
(Acceptable Daily Intake) was not established for the following reasons:
1) Carbon black from hydrocarbon sources has been shown to contain
different amounts of known carcinogens. In the selection of chemical
substances and tattoo inks for analyses in this project it is noted (Section
1.10.4) that a recently published study has demonstrated PAH in a number of
black tattoo inks containing carbon black.
2) Knowledge is lacking on the ability of humans to extract such carcinogens
upon ingestion.
3) Only limited feeding studies in experimental animals with defined carbon
black are available.

No other expert opinions of carbon black of relevance in relation to carbon

black in tattoo inks have been located.

Carbon black has generally been considered as being an inert compound and
thus, not to possess any harmful health effects. Carbon black occurs often in
the form of nanoparticles in tattoo inks. It was recently reported that carbon
black nanoparticles can cause DNA damage in cells from the lungs of
experimental animals (Jacobsen et al. 2008 95, Jacobsen et al. 2007 96). It cannot
be excluded that carbon black as nanoparticles also may cause DNA damage
in cells from other organs and tissues. Based on the available knowledge it is,
however, not possible to assess the possible critical health effects of carbon
black as nanoparticles.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the possible critical health effects of carbon black
(nanoparticles) in relation to tattooing cannot be identified. It should be noted
that carbon black originating from hydrocarbon sources may contain different
amounts of known carcinogens (e.g. PAH). This might be a critical effect of
carbon black in relation to tattooing. A DNEL/DMEL for the possible critical
effect of carbon black cannot be established.

5.3.3 Phthalocyanines

Phthalocyanines form complexes with most of the elements in the periodic

table. In general, all the complexes are of very low solubility in most solvents,
including water.

Phthalocyanines are not classified for health effects according to Annex I of

the 67-Directive, and have not been evaluated by IARC.

94
636. Carbon Black. WHO Food Additive Series 22.
95
Jacobsen N.R., Pojana G., White P., Møller P., Cohn C.A., Korsholm K.S., Vogel
U., Marcomini A., Loft S., Wallin H. Genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen
species induced by single- walled carbon nanotubes and C60 fullerenes in the FE1-
MutaTMMouse lung epithelial cells. Environ Mol Mutagen 2008;49:476-87.
96
Jacobsen N.R., Saber A.T., White P., Møller P., Pojana G., Vogel U., Loft S.,
Gingerich J., Soper L., Douglas G.R., Wallin H. Increased mutant frequency by
carbon black, but not quartz, in the lacZ and cII transgenes of muta mouse lung
epithelial cells. Environ Mol Mutagen 2007;48:451-61.
Copper phthalocyanine (CAS No. 147-14-8) has been evaluated in the
97
OECD SIDS program (OECD ). The most relevant data in relation to
tattooing are summarised here:
The pigment is insoluble in water and stable in most solutions, i.e. is not
degraded.
In rats, a reduced number of red blood cells was observed after oral
administration of the pigment by gavage (1000 mg/kg bw) daily for 28 days.
The NOAEL was established at 200 mg/kg bw per day.
In rats and mice, no effects were seen after administration of the pigment in
the feed (0.3 to 5%) for 13 weeks.
No tumours were observed in mice given the pigment for 8 months.
No genotoxic effects were observed in a variety of tests.
In rats, no effects on fertility and no effects in offspring were observed after
oral administration of the pigment by gavage (0, 40, 200, 1000 mg/kg bw)
daily for 42 days (males) and from 14 days before mating to 3 days after
giving birth (females). The NOAEL was established at 1000 mg/kg bw per
day for offspring as well as for the parents.

The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged time period is
considered to be the decreased number of red blood cells. Based on the
NOAEL of 200 mg/kg bw per day and application of a total uncertainty factor
of 100 (10 for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual variation), a
DNEL of 2 mg/kg bw per day can be established. It should be noted that, in
the OECD SIDS report, the magnitude of the decrease in the number of red
blood cells in exposed animals compared to controls is not presented.
Therefore, it cannot be evaluated whether the decrease is statistically and
biologically significantly different compared to the control group and thus, the
DNEL might be overestimated.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of phthalocyanines in relation to
tattooing is considered to be the decreased number of red blood cells. The
DNEL is set at 2 mg/kg bw per day; however, this DNEL might be
overestimated.

5.3.4 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

In the analytical phase of this project (Chapter 4), the following 16 PAH were
analysed in selected tattoo inks:
Acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, benzo(a)anthracene,
benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene,
benzo(ghi)perylene, chrysene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, fluoranthene, fluorene,
indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene.

PAH as a group is not classified for health effects according to Annex I of the
67-Directive.
Benz(a)pyrene (BaP) is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 2; R45 - may cause cancer’, ‘
Muta. Cat. 2; R46 - may cause heritable genetic damage’ and ‘Repr. Cat. 2;
R60-61 - may impair fertility and may cause harm to the unborn child’.
98
IARC (IARC 2005 ) has evaluated 60 different PAH.

97
Copper phthalocyanine. CAS No.: 147-14-8. OECD SIDS, UNEP Publications.
98
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 92,
Some Non-heterocyclic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Some Related
Exposures. IARC, Lyon, France, 2010.
BaP is the only PAH classified in Group 1 ‘arcinogenic to humans’.
Three PAH (including dibenz(a,h)anthracene) are classified in Group 2A
‘probably carcinogenic to humans'.
Eleven PAH (including benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene,
benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene) are classified in
Group 2B ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’.
The remaining 45 PAH (including acenaphthene, anthracene,
benzo(ghi)perylene, fluoranthene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene) are
classified in group 3 ‘not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans.
IARC places substances in Group 3 when it, based on the available data,
cannot be concluded whether the substance is not (group 4) / possibly (group
2B) / probably (group 2A) / is (Group 1) carcinogenic to humans.
Of the PAH analysed in this project, the following are not included in the
IARC assessment: Acenaphthylen, naphthalene.
The IARC Working Group noted that PAH congeners and mixtures vary
widely in the level of carcinogenic response induced by the given dose, i.e.
that there is great difference in the doses leading to carcinogenic effects of the
different PAH congeners and mixtures.

In Denmark, a health-based quality criterion for PAH in soil has been set
99
(Larsen 2004 ).
The critical effect was considered to be the carcinogenic effect, an effect
which is very likely attributable to damage of the genes. The target organs and
tissues for the tumourigenic effect depend on the route of exposure. Thus,
tumours are primarily observed in the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion,
primarily in the airways and lungs after inhalation and primarily in the skin
after dermal contact, i.e. the tumours are primarily observed locally at the site
of first contact. However, for some individual PAH, tumours have also been
observed systemically (in organs and tissues in the body), primarily in the
liver. Based on the available data, on the carcinogenic effects of PAH as a
group or of BaP, it is not possible to set a lower limit (threshold) for the
carcinogenic effect.
For substances / substance groups where it is considered that there is no
threshold for the carcinogenic effects, the average daily lifetime dose resulting
-6
in one additional incidence of cancer among one million individuals (10
lifetime risk) is generally considered as a tolerable dose, often termed the
‘virtually safe dose’. From the most recent studies in mice and rats of BaP, the
‘virtually safe dose’ was estimated at 0.6-5 ng/kg bw per day for a lifetime risk
-6
of 10 when based on all tumours combined, i.e. the tolerable dose. This dose
corresponds in principle to a DMEL.

BaP has generally been regarded as being the most potent PAH and is the
most widely used marker in relation to health effect assessments of PAH;
however, there are also other equally potent or even more potent PAH (EHC
100
1998 ). In the following list, the potency of the various PAH relative to the
potency of BaP is presented, where a factor of 0.1 means that the potency is
10 times less the potency of BaP, a factor of 1.0 that the potency is the same
as for BaP, and a factor of 100 that the potency is 100 times greater than the
potency of BaP (note: the list is reproduced in EHC (1998) from an older
reference, but not evaluated by the WHO/IPCS Task Group):

99
Evaluation of health hazards by exposure to PAH and estimation of a quality
criterion in soil. Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Danish Institute for
Food and Veterinary Research. Prepared for the Danish EPA.
100
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, selected non-heterocyclic. Environmental
Health Criteria 202. IPCS, WHO, 1998.
  Benz(a)pyrene (BaP) 1.0
 Benz(a)anthracene 0.1
 Benz(b)fluoranthene 0.1
 Benz(j)fluoranthene 0.1
 Benz(k)fluoranthene 0.1
 Chrysene 0.1
 Cyclopenta(cd)pyrene 0.1
 Dibenz(a,h)anthracene 1.0
 Dibenz(a,e)fluoranthene 1.0
 Dibenz(a,e)pyrene 1.0
 Dibenz(a,h)pyrene 1.0
 Dibenz(a,i)pyrene 0.1
 Dibenz(a,l)pyrene 100
 Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 0.1

Seven of the 16 PAH analysed in this project are included the above list: BaP,
benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b), fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene,
dibenz(a,h)anthracene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene.
Based on the relative potencies presented in the above list, a DMEL could, in
principle, be calculated for mixtures of these seven PAH. However, as another
nine PAH also were analysed in selected tattoo inks, and as not all the 16
analysed PAH were found in all the analysed tattoo inks, any calculations of
DMELs for mixtures of different PAH in the analysed tattoo inks have not
been performed.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of BaP, as well as for the other PAH, in
relation to tattooing is considered to be the carcinogenic effect. The DMEL
for BaP is set at 0.6-5 ng/kg bw per day. DMELs for the other PAH found in
the analysed tattoo inks, as well as DMELs for mixtures of different PAH in
the analysed inks, cannot be established.

5.3.5 Primary aromatic amines (PAA)

Azo compounds are widely used as pigments in tattoo inks. Azo compounds
are characterised by containing one or more azo groups, i.e. double bonds
between two nitrogen atoms. The azo group is not stable and will under
certain conditions be degraded to the original building blocks of the azo
compound, i.e. the aromatic amines. These amines may also occur as
impurities in azo dyes (residues from the manufacturing).

5.3.5.1 Aniline
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, aniline is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 3;
R40 - limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible
risk of irreversible effects’, ‘T; R23/24/25 - toxic by inhalation, in contact with
skin and if swallowed’, ‘T; R48/23/24/25 - toxic: danger of serious damage to
health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if
swallowed’, ‘Xi; R41 - risk of serious damage to eyes’ and ‘R43 - may cause
sensitisation by skin contact’.
 101
IARC (IARC 1987 ) has classified aniline in Group 3 ‘not classifiable as to
its carcinogenicity to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate; evidence in
experimental animals: limited).

Aniline has been included in the EU’s risk assessment program for existing
102
substances (EU-RAR 2004 ).
It was concluded that aniline causes contact allergy in humans, often
associated with para-group cross reactivity.
The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged period of time
was considered to be the damage to red blood cells, including haemolytic
anaemia and methaemoglobinaemia as observed in experimental animals; a
LOAEL of 7 mg/kg bw per day was established based on a 2-year study in
rats. In the risk characterisation for workers, a reference MOS (Margin of
Safety) of 150 was applied (10 for interspecies variation, 5 for interindividual
variation (factor 5 is the ‘default’ value for workers), 3 as a LOAEL was used
instead of a NOAEL). The total factor of 150 corresponds, in principle ,to an
overall uncertainty factor. In the risk characterisation for consumers (general
population), a reference MOS for oral exposure has not been evaluated.
With regard to carcinogenicity, it was concluded that aniline is probably
carcinogenic to humans (tumours primarily in the spleen) and that there is no
threshold for this effect. A T25 (for rats) of 46 mg/kg bw per day was
estimated, and a HT25 (T25 for humans) of 4.6 mg/kg bw per day for oral
exposure by applying a factor of 10 for extrapolation of the T25 for rats to
HT25 for humans.

Based on the LOAEL of 7 mg/kg bw per day and application of a total

uncertainty factor of 300 (10 for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual
variation, 3 because a LOAEL was used instead of a NOAEL), a DNEL of
approximately 0.02 mg/kg bw per day can be established.

Based on the HT25 of 4.6 mg/kg bw per day and application of a HtLF (High
-6
to low dose risk extrapolation factor) of 250,000 (the ‘default’ for the 10
-5
lifetime risk when T25 is used as a PoD), a DMEL of approximately 2 x 10
mg/kg bw per day (approximately 20 ng/kg bw per day) can be established.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effects of aniline in relation to tattooing are
considered to be sensitisation and carcinogenic effects. A DNEL for
-
sensitisation cannot be established. The DMEL is set at approximately 2 x 10
5
mg/kg bw per day for the carcinogenic effects.

5.3.5.2 o-Anisidine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, o-anisidine is classified ‘Carc. Cat.
2; R45 - may cause cancer’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of irreversible
effects’ and ‘T; R23/24/25 - toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if
swallowed’.
103
IARC (IARC 1999 ) has classified o-anisidine in Group 2B ‘possibly
carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient).

101
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Supplement
7, Aniline. IARC, Lyon, France, 1987, p. 99.
102
European Union Risk Assessment Report. Aniline. CAS No.: 62-53-3, EINECS
No.: 200-539-3. European Communities, 2004.
o-Anisidine has been included in the EU’s risk assessment program for
104
existing substances (EU-RAR 2002 ).
With regard to sensitisation, there are indications of sensitising properties in a
study with guinea pigs, while no human data are available. On this basis it was
concluded that o-anisidine has not been tested adequately for sensitising
properties.
The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged period of time
was considered to be the damage to red blood cells, including haemolytic
anaemia and methaemoglobinaemia as observed in experimental animals; a
NO(A)EL of 16 mg/kg bw per day was derived based on a 28-day study in
rats. It is noted that this NO(A)EL is used in risk characterisation, partly
because longer-term studies (up to 2 years) showed that the toxicity of o-
anisidine did not increase significantly with the duration of exposure, partly
because a NOAEL could not be derived from the longer studies (higher doses
used than in the 28-day study). In the risk characterisation for consumers, a
reference MOS (Margin of Safety) for oral exposure has not been evaluated.
But the NO(A)EL of 16 mg/kg bw per day was converted to a so-called
‘humane NAEL’ of 0.07 mg/kg bw per day by applying a factor of 4 for
interspecies variation, a factor of 6 because a 28-day study was used instead of
a longer term study, and a factor of 10 because humans are much more
sensitive to the formation of methaemoglobin than rats. This overall factor of
240 corresponds, in principle, to an overall uncertainty factor.
The critical effect of o-anisidine for the assessment of human health was
concluded to be the carcinogenic effect (mainly tumours in the bladder), and
that there is no threshold for this effect. A T25 (for rats) of 39.7 mg/kg bw per
day was estimated, and a HT25 (T25 for humans) of 9.9 mg/kg bw per day by
applying a factor of 4 for extrapolation of the T25 for rats to HT25 for humans.

Based on the NOAEL of 16 mg/kg bw per day and application of a total

uncertainty factor of 600 (10 for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual
variation, 6 because the basis is a 28-day study), a DNEL of approximately
0.03 mg/kg bw per day can be established. It should be noted that this DNEL
is not equal to the ‘human NAEL’ derived in the EU risk assessment report.
The differences is due to that an assessment factor to acoount for the
interindividual variation was not considered in the derivation of the ‘human
NAEL’ in the EU risk assessment report.

Based on the HT25 of 9.9 mg/kg bw per day and application of a HtLF (High
-6
to low dose risk extrapolation factor) of 250,000 (the ‘default’ for the 10
-5
lifetime risk when T25 is used as a PoD), a DMEL of approximately 4 x 10
mg/kg bw per day (approximately 40 ng/kg bw per day) can be established.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of o-anisidine in relation to tattooing is
considered to be the carcinogenic effect. The DMEL is set at approximately 4
-5
x 10 mg/kg bw per day. It should be noted that o-anisidine has not been
tested adequately for an evaluation of the sensitising properties.

103
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 73,
ortho-Anisidine. IARC, Lyon, France, 1999, p. 49.
104
European Union Risk Assessment Report. o-Anisidine. CAS No.: 90-04-0,
EINECS No.: 201-963-1. European Communities, 2002.
5.3.5.3 p-Chloroaniline
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, p-chloroaniline is classified ‘Carc.
Cat. 2; R45 - may cause cancer’, ‘T; R23/24/25 - toxic by inhalation, in
contact with skin and if swallowed’ and ‘R43 - may cause sensitisation by skin
contact’.
105
IARC (IARC 1993 ) has classified p-chloroaniline in Group 2B ‘possibly
carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient).

p-Chloroaniline has been evaluated in the CICAD programme (an

international programme sponsored by UNEP/ILO/WHO jointly) (CICAD
106
2003 ).
Based on the available data, p-chloroaniline was considered to be a skin
sensitiser.
The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged period of time
was considered to be the damage to red blood cells, including haemolytic
anaemia and methaemoglobinaemia as observed in experimental animals; a
LOAEL of 2 mg/kg bw per day was established based on a 2-year study in
rats. Based on the LOAEL of 2 mg/kg bw per day and application of a total
uncertainty factor of 1000 (10 for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual
variation, 10 because a LOAEL was used instead of a NOAEL ), a tolerable
intake of 0.002 mg/kg bw was derived.
p-Chloroaniline is carcinogenic in male rats, with the induction of unusual
and rare tumours of the spleen, which is typical for aniline and related
substances. Whether the mechanism for the carcinogenic effect is mediated
through genotoxic or non-genotoxic events is unresolved. No PoD (e.g. T25)
for the carcinogenic effect has been considered.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effects of p-chloroaniline in relation to
tattooing are considered to be sensitisation and carcinogenic effects. A
DNEL/DMEL for the critical effects cannot be established.

5.3.5.4 4-Chloro-o-toluidine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, 4-chloro-o-toluidine is classified
‘Carc. Cat. 2; R45 - may cause cancer’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of
irreversible effects’ and ‘T; R23/24/25 - toxic by inhalation, in contact with
skin and if swallowed’.
107 108
IARC (IARC 2000 , IARC 2008 ) has classified 4-chloro-o-toluidine in
group 2A ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: limited;
evidence in experimental animals: sufficient).
109
The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI 1979 ) has investigated 4-chloro-
o-toluidine for carcinogenic effects after dietary administration. Tumours

105
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 57,
para-Chloroaniline. IARC, Lyon, France, 1993, p. 305.
106
4-Chloroaniline. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 48. WHO,
2003.
107
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 77,
4-Chloro-ortho-toluidine. IARC, Lyon, France, 2000, p. 323.
108
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 99,
Some Aromatic Amines, Organic Dyes, and Related Exposures. IARC, Lyon, France,
2010.
(haemangiosarcomas, a rare tumour type developed from blood vessels into
the surrounding tissue) were observed in mice but not in rats.

No other expert opinions of 4-chloro-o-toluidine of relevance in relation to 4-

chloro-o-toluidine in tattoo inks have been located.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of 4-chloro-o-toluidine in relation to
tattooing is considered to be the carcinogenic effect. A DMEL for the critical
effect cannot be established.

5.3.5.5 3,3’-Dichlorobenzidine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine is classified
‘Carc. Cat. 2; R45 - may cause cancer’, ‘Xn, R21 - harmful in contact with
skin’ and ‘R43 - may cause sensitisation by skin contact’.
110
IARC (IARC 1987 ) has classified 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine in Group 2B
‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient).
111
IARC (IARC 2008 ) has classified benzidine in Group 1 ‘carcinogenic to
humans’ (human evidence: sufficient; evidence in experimental animals:
sufficient). In this more recent IARC monograph, it is mentioned that the
evidence for a carcinogenic effect of 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine in experimental
animals is sufficient; however, an evaluation of the human evidence as well as
an overall evaluation of the carcinogenic effect of 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine has
not been provided.

3,3’-Dichlorobenzidine has been evaluated in the CICAD programme (an

international programme sponsored by UNEP/ILO/WHO jointly) (CICAD
112
2003 ).
Dermatitis has been reported among workers (one limited study, no further
details); no data on the sensitisation in experimental animals were identified.
The available data were considered as being inadequate to assess the effects
after repeated exposure over a prolonged time period.
The critical effect of 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine was considered to be the
carcinogenic effect for which there is no threshold. The TD0.05 (the dose
associated with a 5% increase in tumour incidence in rats) was estimated to be
in the range of 0.74 to 1.4 mg/kg bw per day depending on the tumour type
used as the basis for the TD0.05 (mammary tumours: 0.74; leukaemia: 1.4).
Based on the TD0.05 of 0.74 mg/kg bw per day and application of a total factor
-4 -5
of 5000-50000, a guidance value of 1.48 x 10 - 1.48 x 10 mg/kg bw was
derived. It was noted that the limitations of the critical study upon which this
guidance value is based should be borne in mind in its interpretation (only a
single dose level and the exposure was shorter than 2 years (up to 488 days)).

109
Bioassay of 4-chloro-o-toluidine hydrochloride for possible carcinogenicity, CAS
No. 3165-93-3. National Cancer Institute, Carcinogenesis Technical Report Series
No. 165, 1979.
110
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Supplement
7, 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine. IARC, Lyon, France, 1987, p. 193.
111
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 99,
Some Aromatic Amines, Organic Dyes, and Related Exposures. IARC, Lyon, France,
2010.
112
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 2.
WHO, 1998.
The guidance value corresponds, in principle, to a DMEL. It should be noted,
however, that the underlying study does not live up to today’s quality
standards and thus, a DMEL cannot be established based on this study.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effects of 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine in relation to
tattooing is considered to be sensitisation and carcinogenic effects. A
DNEL/DMEL for the critical effects cannot be established.

5.3.5.6 4-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine
(2,4-diaminotoluene / 2,4-toluenediamine) is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 2; R45 -
may cause cancer’, ‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of irreversible effects’,
‘Repr. Cat. 3; R62 - possible risk of impaired fertility’, ‘T; R25 - toxic if
swallowed’, ‘Xn, R21 - harmful in contact with skin’, ‘Xn, R48/22 - harmful:
danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed’ and
‘R43 - may cause sensitisation by skin contact’.
113
IARC (IARC 1978 ) has classified 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine in Group
2B ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: no data; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient).
114
Diaminotoluenes have been evaluated by WHO/IPCS (EHC 1987 ). The
most relevant data in relation to tattooing are summarised here:
Dermal contact may possibly cause skin sensitisation.
After repeated exposure over a prolonged time period, methaemoglobinaemia
and the effects in the kidneys have been observed.
2,4-Diaminotoluene is carcinogenic in experimental animals (rats and mice,
tumours in the liver) and all three isomers have been shown to be genotoxic.

No other expert opinions of 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine of relevance in

relation to 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine in tattoo inks have been located.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effects of 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine in
relation to tattooing is considered to be sensitisation and carcinogenic effects.
A DNEL/DMEL for the critical effects cannot be established.

5.3.5.7 4-Methoxy-m-phenylenediamine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine
(2.4-diaminoanisol) is classified ‘Carc. Cat. 2; R45 - may cause cancer’,
‘Muta. Cat. 3; R68 - possible risk of irreversible effects’ and ‘Xn, R22 -
harmful if swallowed’.
115
IARC (IARC 2001 ) has classified 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine in
Group 2B ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: inadequate;
evidence in experimental animals: sufficient).

No other expert opinions of 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine of relevance in

relation to 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine in tattoo inks have been located.

113
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 16,
2,4-Diaminotoluene. IARC, Lyon, France, 1978. pp. 83.
114
Diaminotoluenes. Environmental Health Criteria 74. IPCS, WHO, 1987.
115
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 79,
2,4-Diaminoanisole. IARC, Lyon, France, 2001, p. 621.
Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine in
relation to tattooing is considered to be the carcinogenic effect. A DMEL for
the critical effect cannot be established.

5.3.5.8 2-Naphthylamine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, 2-naphthylamine is classified ‘Carc.
Cat. 2; R45 - may cause cancer’ and ‘Xn, R22 - harmful if swallowed’.
116 117
IARC (IARC 1987 , IARC 2008 ) has classified 2-naphthylamine in
Group 1 ‘carcinogenic to humans’ (human evidence: sufficient; evidence in
experimental animals: sufficient).

No other expert opinions of 2-naphthylamine of relevance in relation to 2-

naphthylamine in tattoo inks have been located.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of 2-naphthylamine in relation to
tattooing is considered to be the carcinogenic effect. A DMEL for the critical
effect cannot be established.

5.3.5.9 5-Nitro-o-toluidine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, 5-nitro-o-toluidine is classified
‘Carc. Cat. 3; R40 - limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect’ and ‘T;
R23/24/25 - toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed’.
118
IARC (IARC 1990 ) has classified 5-nitro-o-toluidine in group 3 ‘not
classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans’ (human evidence: no data;
evidence in experimental animals: limited.)

No other expert opinions of 5-nitro-o-toluidine of relevance in relation to 5-

nitro-o-toluidine in tattoo inks have been located.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of 5-nitro-o-toluidine in relation to
tattooing is considered to be the carcinogenic effect. A DMEL for the critical
effect cannot be established.

5.3.5.10 o-Toluidine
According to Annex I of the 67-Directive, o-toluidine is classified ‘Carc. Cat.
2; R45 - may cause cancer’, ‘T; R23/25 - toxic by inhalation and if swallowed’
and ‘Xi; R36 - irritating to eyes’.
119
IARC (IARC 2008 ) has classified o-toluidine in group 1 ‘carcinogenic to
humans’ (human evidence: sufficient; evidence in experimental animals:
sufficient).
116
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Supplement
7, 2-Naphthylamine. IARC, Lyon, France, 1987, p. 261.
117
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 99,
Some Aromatic Amines, Organic Dyes, and Related Exposures. IARC, Lyon, France,
2010.
118
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 48,
5-Nitro-ortho-toluidine. IARC, Lyon, France, 1990. p. 169.
119
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 99,
Some Aromatic Amines, Organic Dyes, and Related Exposures. IARC, Lyon, France,
2010.
o-Toluidine has been evaluated in the CICAD programme (an international
120
programme sponsored by UNEP/ILO/WHO jointly) (CICAD 1998 ).
The available data were not considered valid for an evaluation of the
sensitisation potential.
The critical effect of o-toluidine was considered to be the carcinogenic effects.
The mechanism for the carcinogenic effect is not clear, but involvement of a
genotoxic mechanism cannot be eliminated. No PoD (e.g. T25) for the
carcinogenic effect has been considered.

o-Toluidine has been evaluated in the OECD SIDS program (OECD

121
2004 ).
The available data were not considered valid for an evaluation of the
sensitisation potential.
The critical effect after repeated exposure over a prolonged period of time
was considered to be the marked damage to red blood cells, including
methaemoglobinaemia as observed in laboratory animals; a LOAEL of
approximately 25 mg/kg bw per day was derived based on a 14-day study in
rats.
o-Toluidine is carcinogenic in experimental animals (rats and mice, tumours
in several organs) and the carcinogenic effect is probably due to genotoxic
events.

Based on the LOAEL of 25 mg/kg bw per day and application of a total

uncertainty factor of 1800 (10 for interspecies variation, 10 for interindividual
variation, 3 because a LOAEL was used instead of a NOAEL, 6 because the
basis is a 14-day study instead of a long-term study), a DNEL of
approximately 0.01 mg/kg bw per day can be established.

Conclusion:
Based on the above, the critical effect of o-toluidine in relation to tattooing is
considered to be the carcinogenic effect. A DMEL for the critical effect
cannot be established.

5.3.6 Summary: Hazard Assessment

Twenty-one substances / substance groups were selected for the health effect
assessment: Eight elements, ten aromatic amines, carbon black, PAH and
phthalocyanines.

For the selected chemical substances, the identification of the critical effect(s)
were based on the EU classification of substances according to Annex I of the
67-Directive and the IARC classification for carcinogenic effects when
available, as well as on the critical effects identified in selected expert opinions
from national and international bodies. The NOAELs / LOAELs presented
are generally those established in the selected expert opinions from national
and international bodies.

Carcinogenic effect was considered as the critical effect in relation to tattooing

for PAH and the ten selected PAA (aniline, o-anisidine, p-chloroaniline, 4-
chloro-o-toluidine, 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine, 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine, 4-
methoxy-m-phenylenediamine, 2-naphthylamine, 5-nitro-o-toluidine and o-
toluidine).

120
o-Toluidine. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 7. WHO,
1998.
121
o-Toluidine, CAS No.: 95-53-4. OECD SIDS 2004, UNEP Publications.
For these two groups of substances (PAH and PAA) it is considered that
there is no lower limit (threshold) for the carcinogenic effects and therefore, a
DNEL cannot be established. For one of the PAH (benzo(a)pyrene) and for
two of the PAA (aniline and o-anisidine), a DMEL has been established. For
the remaining substances in these two groups, a DMEL could not be
established based on the available data.

Also other of the selected substances were considered as being carcinogenic.

Cadmium, chromium (VI) and nickel are classified as carcinogens according
to Annex I of the 67-Directive, and by IARC in Group 1 ‘carcinogenic to
humans’. It should be noted that for these three substances, the carcinogenic
effects are (primarily) observed in the respiratory tract and/or lungs after
inhalation. Therefore, the carcinogenic effects of these three substances are
not considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.
Lead is classified by IARC in Group 2A ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’,
but not classified for carcinogenicity in the EU according to Annex I of the
67-Directive. It should be noted that the mode of action for the carcinogenic
effect of lead is not completely understood. Furthermore, tumours have only
been seen at relatively high doses. Therefore, the carcinogenic effect of lead is
not considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing.

Sensitisation was considered as a critical effect in relation to tattooing for a

number of the selected substances: Aluminium, chromium, nickel, aniline, p-
chloroaniline, 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine and 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine. In
the EU, these substances are, with the exception of aluminium, classified ‘R43
- may cause sensitisation by skin contact’ according to Annex I of the 67-
Directive.
It is disputed whether contact allergy is a threshold effect for which a certain
dose has to be passed for triggering an effect or not. The existence of a
threshold for induction of allergy (sensitisation) has been shown for some
contact allergens. Similarly, studies have shown that a threshold also exists for
triggering allergy (elicitation) in sensitised individuals. Since contact allergens
varies widely in their relative potency, they probably also exhibit a large
variation in relation to a threshold for both induction and elicitation of allergy.
The health effect assessment of chemical contact allergens can only be
performed if the potency and the threshold value have been carefully
122
examined for the specific chemical allergen. (Nielsen et al. 2005 ).
For the selected substances, the available data are not sufficient for an
evaluation of neither the potency nor the threshold value and therefore, a
DNEL for sensitisation cannot be established for these substances.
It should be noted that, in general, there is a lack of knowledge regarding
sensitisation in relation to tattooing (described in Section 3.6 and 6.2), and
that allergy to permanently deposited substances/pigments in the skin
probably is clinically different from ordinary contact eczema.

For a number of the selected substances, other effects than carcinogenicity

and sensitisation were considered as the critical effect in relation to tattooing:
Barium (effects on the cardiovascular system), lead (effects on the developing
nervous system), cadmium (effects on bones and kidney) and
phthalocyanines (decreased number of red blood cells). For barium, cadmium

122
Principper for sundhedsmæssig vurdering af kemiske stoffer med henblik på
fastsættelse af kvalitetskriterier for luft, jord og vand. Elsa Nielsen, Grete Østergaard,
John Christian Larsen og Ole Ladefoged. Afdeling for Toksikologi og
Risikovurdering, Danmarks Fødevareforskning. Miljøprojekt Nr. 974 2005. In Danish
with an English summary.
and phthalocyanines, a DNEL was established for the critical effect. For lead,
a DNEL could not be established for the critical effect as a threshold for the
critical effect (effects on the developing nervous system) has not been
identified.

For some substances, a critical effect in relation to tattooing could not be

identified: copper, titanium (titanium dioxide) and carbon black.
Some copper salts may cause skin irritation. However, based on the available
data it ws considered that skin irritation is not likely to be a critical effect of
copper in relation to tattooing.
Titanium dioxide occurs often in the form of nanoparticles in tattoo inks. It
was recently reported that titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused pulmonary
effects (changes in expression of genes related to inflammation and immune
reactions) after inhalation. Based on the available knowledge, it was not
possible to assess the possible critical health effects of titanium dioxide as
nanoparticles.
Carbon black originating from hydrocarbon sources may contain different
amounts of known carcinogens (e.g. PAH). This might be a critical effect of
carbon black in relation to tattooing. Carbon black occurs often in the form of
nanoparticles in tattoo inks. It was recently reported that carbon black
nanoparticles can cause DNA damage in cells from the lungs of experimental
animals. Based on the available knowledge it is not possible to assess the
possible critical health effects of carbon black as nanoparticles.
On this basis, a DNEL/DMEL for the possible critical effects of copper,
titanium (titanium dioxide) or carbon black could not be established.

5.4 Risk characterisation of the selected chemical substances

The health effect assessment (risk assessment) consists of a hazard

assessment, an exposure assessment and a risk characterisation. In relation to
tattooing, where chemical substances in the tattoo inks are deposited in the
skin, the health effect assessment is an assessment of whether a given chemical
substance deposited in the skin is associated with a health risk. The health
effect assessment includes local effects in the skin as well as systemic effects,
i.e. effects that occur in tissues and organs in the body after absorption of the
substance from the tattooed skin area. The outcome of the hazard assessment
is the identification of the critical effect and the establishment of a
DNEL/DMEL for the critical effect.

In the risk characterisation, the exposure estimate is compared with the

DNEL/DMEL and the so-called risk characterisation ratio (RCR) is
calculated. RCR is thus, the ratio between the exposure estimate and the
DNEL/DMEL (RCR = exposure/DN(M)EL). If the exposure estimate is
lower than the DNEL/DMEL, i.e. the RCR <1, the exposure is not
considered to pose a health risk in the given situation. The DNEL/DMEL
established for the critical (systemic) effects for the selected chemical
substances in the analysed tattoo inks is generally expressed in the unit ‘mg/kg
bw per day’. Therefore, the exposure estimates also have to be expressed in
the same unit for an RCR to be calculated.

In order to express the exposure estimate in the form of a systemic dose

expressed in the unit ‘mg/kg bw per day’, it is necessary to know how much of
the substance deposited in the tattooed skin area following tattooing is
subsequently absorbed, i.e. to know the percentage of the deposited substance
that is transported from the tattooed skin area to the tissues and organs in the
body via the blood circulation and/or the lymphatic system.

Knowledge about the absorption of a given substance from a tattooed skin

area is thus, an essential part of the health effect assessment of this substance
in relation to tattooing. This project has revealed a number of limitations as
well as lack of knowledge for a valid evaluation of the uptake, as well as
transport of substances from a tattooed skin area to the tissues and organs in
the body, to be performed. Consequently, it is not possible with currently
available knowledge to perform a valid quantitative exposure assessment, i.e.
to estimate the systemic dose of the selected chemical substances in the
analysed tattoo inks. In addition, the project has also revealed limitations and
lack of knowledge in relation to the hazard assessment (identification of the
critical effect in relation to tattooing and establishment of a DNEL/DMEL for
the critical effect) for a number of the selected chemical substances.

The limitations and lack of knowledge in relation to the exposure assessment

for the selected chemical substances in the analysed tattoo inks (further
addressed in section 5.4.1) as well as in relation to the hazard assessment for a
number of the selected substances (further addressed in section 5.4.2) imply
that a valid risk characterisation according to the REACH guidance
documents (calculation of RCR) cannot be performed.

5.4.1 Limitations / lack of knowledge: Exposure assessment

Tattoo inks contain generally one or more colorants (pigments) as well as

coformulants. In addition, the finished tattoo inks may also contain chemical
impurities.

The basis for the exposure assessment of the selected chemical substances in
the analysed tattoo inks is the concentration of the substances found by the
analyses of the tattoo inks.

The PAA, PAH and elements found in the analysed tattoo inks are not used
as colorants/pigments or coformulants as such, but may occur in the tattoo
inks following degradation of the pigments/coformulants (for example PAA
from azo dyes), or as chemical impurities in the tattoo inks and/or pigments
(for example PAH in carbon black, PAA as residues from the manufacturing).
Some of the substances found in tattoo inks are probably released due to the
analytical method used for the analyses of the tattoo inks (for example
titanium from titanium dioxide, barium from barium sulphate). This means
that the analytical program chosen in this project does not reveal the
pigments, coformulants and chemical impurities that are actually present in
the analysed tattoo inks and to which a tattooed person is exposed to. A
limitation in relation to the exposure assessment is thus, the lack of knowledge
about the pigments, coformulants and chemical impurities that a tattooed
person actually is exposed to following tattooing with these tattoo inks.

The pigments in tattoo inks often occur as particles with a particle size down
to 20 nanometers, i.e. nanoparticles (section 1.5). The pigments used for
tattooing are generally of low solubility or insoluble, as it is the intention that
the pigments should remain in the skin, otherwise the tattoo would faint and
disappear within a relatively short time. In addition, coformulants as well as
chemical impurities in the tattoo inks may also occur as particles. The very
low solubility of the pigments (particles in general) means that the pigments
deposited in the skin will behave significantly different from substances that
are soluble, at least partly, in biological fluids such as e.g. blood or lymph.
The pigments used for tattooing are often coated in order to inhibit
dissolution and degradation and consequently, this will affect the release of
degradation products and chemical impurities from the pigments. Both
solubility and coating are thus, of great importance for the potential
absorption of pigments deposited in the skin and the subsequent transport
and distribution to tissues and organs in the body.

Knowledge about the uptake and distribution of pigments deposited in the

skin are described in detail elsewhere in this report (section 3.3 and 3.4).
Below is a brief summary with focus on the uncertainties, limitations and lack
of knowledge for a valid quantitative exposure assessment to be performed for
the pigments.

In a study of an azo dye (Pigment Red 22), the amount of pigment deposited
2
in the skin (the human and pig) was found to range from 0.60 to 9.42 mg/cm
2
(mean 2.53 mg/cm ), depending on the tattooing technique. Based on the
2 2
mean value (2.53 mg/cm ) and an average area of a tattoo (454 cm ), the
estimated average amount of pigment deposited in the skin was calculated to
2
1,149 mg. For the group with tattoos covering a large skin area (1,090 cm )
2
and the highest value of pigment deposited in the skin (9.42 mg/cm ), the
estimated amount of pigment deposited in the skin was calculated to 10,268
mg. Obviously, there is great variation in the amount of pigment deposited in
the skin depending on the tattoo technique, as well as a big differences in the
tattooed skin area from person to person. Both conditions thus imply that
there is even a very great variation among tattooed individuals with regard to
the amount of pigment(s) deposited in the skin. A limitation in relation to a
valid quantitative exposure assessment of the pigments is thus, the uncertainty
due to the large individual variation in the amount of pigment(s) deposited in
the tattooed skin area. The same limitation will also apply to the coformulants
and chemical impurities that occur in tattoo inks as particles.

Within the first weeks after tattooing, the pigments will move locally in the
skin. Part of the deposited pigments is degraded locally in the skin to other
chemical substances, for instance under influence of (sun)light. Although the
intention is that the pigments should remain in the skin, part of the deposited
pigments will be transferred to the lymphatic vessels and blood circulation,
particularly nanoparticles, and thus, the pigments are absorbed and
distributed to the tissues and organs in the body. For example, the pigments
can be deposited in the regional lymph nodes from which there is a direct
contact with the blood-forming system (bone marrow) and immune system
(lymph nodes).

The kinetics have also been studied in mice by using the azo dye ‘Pigment
Red 22’. The amount of the pigment in the skin was reduced to 32% of the
initial dose at 42 days after the tattooing was performed. When the tattooed
skin area was exposed to sunlight the reduction was greater. There is,
however, no information about the percentage of the initial dose that was
absorbed or the percentage of the initial dose that was degraded locally in the
skin. A limitation in relation to a quantitative exposure assessment of Pigment
Red 22, in this study as well as in general, is thus, the lack of knowledge about
the ratio between the percentage of the pigment absorbed and the percentage
of the pigment degraded locally in the skin. The same limitation will also
apply to other pigments, as well as to the coformulants and chemical
impurities that occur in tattoo inks as particles.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the structure of mouse skin is very
different from the structure of human skin. This means that the uptake and
degradation of Pigment Red 22 in human skin can be quite different from that
in mouse skin. Another limitation in relation to a human exposure assessment
of Pigment Red 22 is thus, the lack of knowledge regarding the importance of
the structural differences between human skin and mouse skin in terms of
absorption and degradation of Pigment Red 22 deposited in the skin. The
same limitation will also apply to other pigments, as well as to the
coformulants and chemical impurities that occur in tattoo inks as particles.

Most of the pigments in the purchased tattoo inks belong to one of the
following chemical groups: Carbon black, phthalocyanines, azo dyes,
acridines and inorganic pigments (e.g. titanium dioxide) (Annex B). These
pigments are both chemically and structurally very different. A great
uncertainty is thus encumbered with respect to provide specific and valid
estimates/assumptions for deposition, absorption, distribution, metabolism
and excretion of the different pigments in the analysed tattoo inks in tattooed
humans based on a single study in mice of a single pigment (Pigment Red
22), as these parameters very likely will vary for the different pigments due to
the chemical and structural differences of the pigments. The same uncertainty
will also apply to coformulants and chemical impurities that occur in tattoo
inks as particles. It should be noted that acridines were not included in the
analysis program in this project and therefore, nor in the health effect
assessment.

Nanoparticles injected in the skin can be distributed to the organs in the body
(liver, kidneys, spleen), whereas larger particles are not transferred to the
blood circulation (Section 3.4). The distribution of nanoparticles in the body
is different from dissolved substances, as well as for larger particles.
Therefore, the content of nanoparticles in the tattoo inks is particularly
contributing to the uncertainty in terms of which organs in the body (in
addition to the skin and the lymph nodes that drain the tattooed area) that are
exposed to the pigments/(nano)particles. Another limitation in relation to a
valid quantitative exposure assessment for pigments, as well as for the
coformulant and chemical impurities that occur in tattoo inks as particles, is
thus, the lack of knowledge about how nanoparticles are absorbed and
distributed to the tissues and organs in the body.

From a precautionary approach it could be assumed that the pigments, as well

as other chemical substances occurring as particulates in tattoo inks, behave
like substances that are completely dissolved in biological fluids and thus,
absorbed completely (100%) from the tattooed skin area and subsequently
transported and distributed to the tissues and organs in the body. With regard
to the pigments, this is, however, a completely unrealistic ‘worst case’
assumption as pigments with very low solubility particularly are selected for
tattooing in order to ensure that they remain in the skin after tattooing. The
same condition will also apply to the coformulants and chemical impurities
that occur in tattoo inks as particles.

Based on the kinetic study with Pigment Red 22 in mice it could be assumed
that approximately one-third of a given pigment would be deposited in the
skin and that the remaining two-third would not be degraded locally in the
skin and consisting exclusively of nanoparticles. In this case, the percentage
absorbed could amount up to two-third of the initial amount of pigment
injected in the skin, i.e. could be transported and distributed to the tissues and
organs in the body and there exert an effect. This ‘worst case’ assumption is,
however, as described above, encumbered with a high degree of uncertainty
related to the extrapolation of the results for a single pigment in a single study
in mice to a human exposure assessment for the various pigments, as well as
for the coformulants and chemical impurities that occur as particles in the
analysed tattoo inks.

Due to the uncertainties and variables that are related to the exposure
assessment as described above, the current knowledge is considered as being
insufficient for a valid quantitative exposure assessment of the selected
chemical substances in the analysed tattoo inks, as well as for pigments,
coformulants and chemical impurities that occur in tattoo inks (as particles) in
general. Quantitative exposure assessments based on ‘worst case’ estimates
and assumptions are considered likely to be more misleading than indicative
of the real human situation. Acknowledging this, quantitative exposure
assessments of the selected chemical substances in the analysed tattoo inks
have not been performed in this project.

5.4.2 Limitations / lack of knowledge: Hazard assessment

The outcome of the hazard assessment is the identification of the critical

effect and the establishment of a DNEL/DMEL for the critical effect.
In the hazard assessments of the selected chemical substances, the critical
effect(s) in relation to tattooing wa identified and a DNEL/DMEL for the
critical effect(s) was established if possible (Section 5.3).

This project has revealed that a limitation in relation to the hazard assessment
for most of the selected chemical substances/groups is that it has not been
possible to establish a DNEL/DMEL for the critical effect(s), usually
carcinogenicity and/or sensitisation.
With regard to carcinogenicity, the data for the majority of the selected
substances for which the carcinogenic effect was considered as the critical
effect in relation to tattooing (PAH and the 10 selected PAA) were not
sufficient for establishing a DMEL. Thus, it has only been possible to
establish a DMEL for one of the 16 analysed PAH and for two of the 10
analysed PAA.
With regard to sensitisation, the data for the selected substances for which
sensitisation has been considered as the critical effect in relation to tattooing
(aluminium, chromium, nickel, aniline, p-chloroaniline, 3,3’-
dichlorobenzidine and 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine) were not sufficient for
an evaluation of the potency or threshold value and thus, a DNEL/DMEL
could not be established.

For one substance (lead), a DNEL could not be established as a threshold for
the critical effect of lead (effects on the developing nervous system) has not
been identified.
For three substances (copper, titanium (titanium dioxide) and carbon black),
a critical effect in relation to tattooing could not be identified based on the
current knowledge and thus, a DNEL/DMEL could not be established for
these substances.

In general, knowledge is lacking regarding the development of cancer in

relation to tattooing. As described elsewhere (Section 3.4, 5.4.1), the pigments
in tattoo inks can be transported from the tattooed skin area to the regional
lymph nodes, in which tumours can develop. Whether the development of
tumours in the lymph nodes is related to the intrinsic properties of the
pigment or is a result of deposition of foreign particles in the lymph nodes
cannot be evaluated based on the current knowledge. A possible association
between the development of skin cancer and tattooing has been addressed
(section 3.6); an association has neither been proved nor indicated.

In general, knowledge is also lacking regarding sensitisation in relation to

tattooing. As described elsewhere (section 3.6 and 6.2), there is a high degree
of uncertainty on how allergic reactions in relation to tattooing appear
clinically and how an allergic reaction can be documented. This is due to the
fact that the usual tests for contact allergy are not suitable for testing
particulates such as e.g. pigments in tattoo inks as they have neither been
developed nor validated for this purpose. In addition, it is assumed that allergy
to a permanently deposited substance/pigment in the skin probably is
clinically different from ordinary contact eczema. Based on the current
knowledge it is thus, not possible to evaluate whether sensitisation due to skin
contact with the selected substances actually is a critical effect in relation to
tattooing where the substances are deposited in the skin. However, from a
precautionary perspective, sensitisation should be considered as a possible
critical effect of the above-mentioned substances in relation to tattooing for
the time being.

5.4.3 Limitations / lack of knowledge: The selected chemical substances

In this project, 21 substances / groups of substances were selected for the

health effect assessment: Carbon black, phthalocyanines, 10 PAA, PAH and
eight elements. A number of uncertainties, limitations and lack of knowledge
have been identified in relation to the exposure assessments for the selected
chemical substances (Section 5.4.1) as well as in relation to the hazard
assessment for a number of the selected substances (section 5.4.2). The
uncertainties, limitations and lack of knowledge imply that a valid risk
characterisation according to the REACH guidance documents (calculation of
RCR) cannot be performed.

The main uncertainties, limitations and lack of knowledge for each of the
selected chemical substances / substance groups are summarised in this
section.

5.4.3.1 Carbon black

Carbon black is used as a pigment in tattoo ink and has been analysed as such
in the selected tattoo inks (four black inks and one gray). In principle, it
should be possible to estimate a systemic exposure based on the results of the
analyses. However, as described in section 5.4.1, the current knowledge is, in
general, considered as being insufficient for a valid quantitative estimate of the
systemic exposure to particles deposited in the skin. In addition, carbon black
often occurs in the form of nanoparticles in tattoo inks. Due to the uncertainty
on how nanoparticles are absorbed and distributed to the tissues and organs in
the body from a tattooed skin area it is not possible to provide a valid
quantitative exposure estimate for carbon black (nanoparticles) based on the
current knowledge.

It was recently reported that carbon black nanoparticles can cause DNA
damage in cells from the lungs of experimental animals. Based on the
available knowledge it is not possible to assess the possible critical health
effects of carbon black as nanoparticles. It should also be noted that carbon
black originating from hydrocarbon sources may contain different amounts of
known carcinogens (e.g. PAH). This might be a critical effect of carbon black
in relation to tattooing; however, the current knowledge is not sufficient for an
evaluation of this aspects. Consequently, a DNEL/DMEL for the possible
critical effect of carbon black cannot be established.

Based on the current knowledge it cannot be evaluated whether carbon black

would pose a health risk following tattooing with carbon black-containing
tattoo inks.

5.4.3.2 Phthalocyanines
Phthalocyanines are used as pigment in tattoo inks. Phthalocyanines form
complexes with most of the elements in the periodic table. In general, all the
complexes are of very low solubility in most solvents, including water.

Phthalocyanines have been analysed qualitatively in a blue ink, in three green

inks and in two purple inks. All six inks contained phthalocyanines. This
qualitative analysis can, however, not be used as a basis for a quantitative
exposure assessment.

In addition, the content of phthalocyanines in a green and in three blue inks

has been calculated. The calculation was based on the concentration of
copper found in the chemical analyses in these inks. The results of this
calculation could, in principle, be used as a basis for an estimate of the
systemic exposure for the copper-containing phthalocyanines. However, as
described in section 5.4.1, the current knowledge is, in general, considered as
being insufficient for a valid quantitative estimate of the systemic exposure to
particles deposited in the skin.

The critical effect of phthalocyanines in relation to tattooing was considered

to be the decreased number of red blood cells. The DNEL was set at 2 mg/kg
bw per day. It should be noted that the DNEL might be overestimated (see
Section 5.3.3).

Based on the current knowledge it cannot be evaluated whether

phthalocyanines would pose a health risk following tattooing with
phthalocyanine-containing tattoo inks.

5.4.3.3 Primary aromatic amines (PAA)

Many azo compounds are used as pigments in tattoo inks. Azo compounds
are characterised by containing one or more azo groups, i.e. double bonds
between two nitrogen atoms. The azo group is not stable and will under
certain conditions be degraded to the original building blocks of the azo
compound, i.e. aromatic amines.

In this project, azo dyes have not been analysed as such and therefore, the
analyses cannot provide a basis for an exposure assessment of azo dyes as
such.

An indication of the presence of azo dyes in tattoo inks was in this project
represented by the analyses of PAA released from azo dyes. However, PAA
can also occur as impurities in the tattoo inks (for example as residues from
the manufacturing) or they might for some purpose have been added to the
tattoo inks deliberately, in this project represented by the analyses of free
PAA. Based on the analyses in this project, it is only possible for some of the
analysed tattoo inks to evaluate whether a detected PAA in the tattoo inks
occurs as such as an impurity of the tattoo inks or in the azo dyes, or whether
a detected PAA occurs in the analysed tattoo inks as a result of degradation of
an azo dye in the analytical process. There is a lack knowledge whether the
degradation of azo dyes and the resulting release of the building blocks, PAA,
could occur in the skin after tattooing. Furthermore, there is a lack of
knowledge about how the selected PAA are absorbed and distributed to the
tissues and organs in the body from a tattooed skin area. Based on the current
knowledge it is therefore, not possible to provide a valid quantitative exposure
estimate for the selected PAA.

A number of PAA are known or suspected human carcinogens. In the hazard

assessment of the ten selected PAA, the carcinogenic effect was considered as
the critical effect in relation to tattooing for all ten PAA; however, only for two
of the substances a DMEL could be established. For the remaining PAA it
was not possible to established a DMEL based on the available data. IARC
123
(IARC 2008 ) has evaluated a number of aromatic amines for their
carcinogenicity, including three of the ten selected PAA (4-chloro-o-toluidine,
2-naphthylamine and o-toluidine). In the introductory section to the IARC
monograph it was concluded that most, if not all, aromatic amines are
carcinogenic and that the mode of action for the carcinogenic effect
apparently is the same for the aromatic amines. It is therefore likely that there
might be a cumulative effect provided that more than one PAA is present in a
tattoo ink.

Sensitisation by skin contact was also considered as a critical effect in relation

to tattooing for four of the ten selected PAA. The data are, however, not
sufficient for an evaluation of neither the potency nor the threshold value and
therefore, a DNEL for sensitisation cannot be established for these
substances. In general, knowledge is also lacking regarding sensitisation in
relation to tattooing and, based on the current knowledge, it is therefore not
possible to evaluate whether sensitisation due to skin contact with the selected
substances actually is a critical effect in relation to tattooing where the
substances are deposited in the skin.

Based on the current knowledge it cannot be evaluated whether the selected

PAA would pose a health risk (cancer, sensitisation) following tattooing with
PAA-containing tattoo inks.

5.4.3.4 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

PAHs are not used as such as pigments in tattoo inks. However, in a recently
published study PAH were detected in a number of black tattoo inks
containing carbon black (section 1.10.4), in which they presumably occur as
impurities in carbon black. In this project, 16 different PAH were analysed in
19 different tattoo inks. The highest PAH content was found in black inks that
also had a high content of carbon black. This could indicate a correlation
between the content of carbon black and PAH. However, it cannot be
excluded whether PAH in the tattoo inks originate from other sources. BaP
was detected in only a single tattoo ink.

Based on the analyses, it is not possible to evaluate whether the detected PAH
occur as such as impurities in the tattoo inks or are released from carbon black
during the analytical process. There is also a lack knowledge whether the
release of PAH from carbon black could occur in the skin after tattooing.
Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge on how the PAH are absorbed and

123
IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Volume 99,
Some Aromatic Amines, Organic Dyes, and Related Exposures. IARC, Lyon, France,
2010.
distributed to the tissues and organs in the body from a tattooed skin area.
Based on the current knowledge it is therefore, not possible to provide a valid
quantitative exposure estimate for the PAH.

The critical effect of BaP, as well as for several other PAH, in relation to
tattooing is considered to be the carcinogenic effect. A DMEL has been
established for one of the PAH (BaP). For the other PAH found in the
analysed inks, a DMEL could not be established based on the available data.
The mode of action for the carcinogenic effect is probably common for all the
carcinogenic PAH, although the potency may vary considerably (see Section
5.3.4). It is therefore likely that there might be a cumulative effect provided
that more than one PAH is present in a tattoo ink. However, based on the
current knowledge it is not possible to set a DMEL for mixtures of different
PAH in the analysed tattoo inks.

Based on the current knowledge it cannot be evaluated whether PAH would

pose a health risk (cancer) following tattooing with PAH-containing tattoo
inks.

5.4.3.5 Elements
The selected elements (aluminium, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper,
lead, nickel, titanium) are not used as such in tattoo inks or as coformululants.
Based on the analyses in this project, it is not possible to evaluate whether the
detected elements occur as such as impurities in the pigments and/or
coformulants or in the tattoo inks. Or whether the detected elements occur in
the analysed tattoo inks as a result of degradation of the pigments,
coformulants and/or chemical impurities in the tattoo inks during the
analytical process. This means that the analyses actually cannot form the basis
for exposure assessments of the selected elements, as well as of the pigments,
coformulants and/or chemical impurities from which the detected elements
might be released. Moreover, there is a lack knowledge whether the release of
the various elements from pigments, coformulants and/or chemical impurities
in the tattoo inks or the colorants could occur in the skin after tattooing. Based
on the current knowledge it is therefore, not possible to provide valid
quantitative exposure estimates for the selected elements, as well as for the
pigments, coformulants and/or chemical impurities from which the detected
elements might be released.

The critical effect of aluminium in relation to tattooing was considered to be

the granulomas developed in tattoos as a result of a local foreign body
reaction. It cannot be excluded that an allergic reaction might also be
involved. A DNEL could not be established for the critical effect.
The critical systemic effects of aluminium are considered to be the effects on
the reproductive system and the developing nervous system. The PTWI set
by JECFA, converted to a daily dose, corresponds, in principle to a DNEL.

Barium sulphate is insoluble and thus, relatively inert in contrast to ionic

barium and soluble barium salts such as e.g. the chloride, nitrate and
hydroxide (from which the barium ion is released in the body). Ionic barium
is toxic to several organs and tissues, including the nervous system, kidney
and heart. The critical effect of barium in relation to tattooing was considered
to be the cardiovascular effects; a DNEL was established for the critical
effects.
Some barium salts are alkaline and therefore, might exert local effects in the
skin. Barium can react with titanium dioxide thereby forming the insoluble
salt barium titanate. This might be of particular importance in tattoo inks in
which both soluble barium salts and titanium dioxide occur. The extent of
degradation of the insoluble barium sulphate and barium titanate locally in the
skin thereby releasing the toxic barium ion is not known.

The critical effects of cadmium in relation to tattooing was considered to be

the effects on bones and kidneys. A DNEL was established for the critical
effects. It should be noted that since cadmium accumulates in the body, the
DNEL should be set as an average value over a week or a month.

The critical effect of chromium (VI) in relation to tattooing was considered to

be sensitisation. A DNEL could nnot be established for the critical effect. In
general, knowledge is lacking regarding sensitisation in relation to tattooing
and thus, it is not possible to evaluate whether sensitisation due to skin contact
with chromium (VI) actually is a critical effect in relation to tattooing. It
should be noted that the analytical method for chromium in this project could
not distinguish between Cr(III) and Cr(VI) and thus, there is a lack of
knowledge whether chromium occurs as chromium (III) and/or chromium
(VI) in the analysed tattoo inks. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge
regarding possible health effects of chromium (III).

Based on the current knowledge, no critical health effects of copper in relation

to tattooing was identified. It is considered likely that the copper found in the
analysed tattoo inks may originate from degradation of copper-containing
phthalocyanines. Whether such a degradation also could take place in the skin
is not known.

The critical effect of lead in relation to tattooing was considered to be the

effects on the developing nervous system (children as well as the unborn
child). A DNEL for the critical effect could not be established.

The critical effect of nickel in relation to tattooing was considered to be

sensitisation. A DNEL could not be established for the critical effect. In
general, knowledge is lacking regarding sensitisation in relation to tattooing
and thus, it is not possible to evaluate whether sensitisation due to skin contact
with nickel actually is a critical effect in relation to tattooing. Nickel sulphate,
nickel chloride and nickel nitrate are classified as skin irritants. It cannot be
excluded that skin irritation might also be a critical effect of nickel in relation
to tattooing.

It was recently reported that titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused pulmonary

effects (changes in expression of genes related to inflammation and immune
reactions) after inhalation. Titanium dioxide occurs often as nanoparticles in
tattoo inks. Based on the current knowledge, it is not possible to assess the
possible critical health effects of titanium dioxide as nanoparticles. It should
be noted that titanium dioxide has not been analysed as such in this project. It
is, however, considered likely that the elemental titanium found in the
analysed tattoo inks may originate from degradation of titanium dioxide.

Overall, based on the current knowledge, it could not be evaluated whether

the eight selected elements would pose a health risk following tattooing with
tattoo inks containing the these elements as such, or containing pigments,
coformulants, and/or chemical impurities from which these elements might be
released in the skin following tattooing.
5.4.4 Risk characterisation: Conclusion

Twenty-one substances / substance groups were selected for the health effect
assessment: Eight elements, ten aromatic amines, carbon black, PAH and
phthalocyanines.

This project has revealed a number of limitations as well as lack of knowledge

in order to perform quantitative exposure assessments. Due to the
uncertainties and variables that are related to the exposure assessments as
described in detail in Section 5.4.1, the current knowledge is considered as
being insufficient for a valid quantitative exposure assessment of the selected
chemical substances in the analysed tattoo inks, as well as for pigments,
coformulants and chemical impurities that occur in tattoo inks in general.
Quantitative exposure assessments based on ‘worst case’ estimates and
assumptions are considered likely to be more misleading than indicative of the
real human situation. Acknowledging this, quantitative exposure assessments
of the selected chemical substances / substance groups in the analysed tattoo
inks have not been performed in this project.

This project has also revealed a number of limitations and lack of knowledge
in relation to the hazard assessment (identification of critical effect in relation
to tattooing and establishment of DNEL/DMEL for the critical effects) for a
number of the selected chemical substances (section 5.4.2). One limitation is
that for most of the selected substances / substance groups it has not been
possible to establish a DNEL/DMEL for the critical effect(s), usually a
carcinogenicity and/or sensitisation. In addition, knowledge is, in general,
lacking regarding the development of cancer as well as of sensitisation in
relation to tattooing.

The uncertainties, limitations and lack of knowledge in relation to the

exposure assessment for the selected chemical substances / substance groups
in the analysed tattoo inks, as well as in relation to the hazard assessment for a
number of the selected substances, imply that a valid risk characterisation
according to the REACH guidance documents (calculation of RCR) could
not be performed.

Overall, based on the current knowledge, it could not be evaluated whether

the selected chemical substances / substance groups would pose a health risk
following tattooing with tattoo inks containing the selected chemical
substances / substance groups as such, or containing pigments, coformulants,
and/or chemical impurities from which the selected chemical substances /
substance groups might be released in the skin following tattooing.

It should be noted that several case studies have described adverse reactions
among tattooed individuals who have been tattooed with several of the tattoo
inks analysed in this project, see the following chapter.
6 Health assessment: Patient
reactions

During the survey, a number of tattoo inks were registered as they are
associated with patient reactions arising after tattooing with the relevant
colour. The results of the investigations are described in this chapter.

6.1 Background

A high degree of evidence regarding the composition of tattoo colours and

possible side-effects can be obtained by directly studying people who have
experienced visible side-effects from tattoos and where the applied ink also
can be procured and analysed. Changes in the skin and reaction patterns can
be unambiguous and follow one or several patterns related to a certain
pigment, a certain chemical type of pigment or a certain colour, or they can be
multiple and therefore difficult to identify and characterise. The consolidation
of knowledge of specific patterns requires additional observations with the
same conclusion.

As the skin’s barrier to penetration of chemical substances from the outside is

very dense, it makes a great difference if the chemical substance gets into
contact with the skin from the outside, e.g. through contact with cosmetic
products, or by injecting the substance into the skin as is the case when
injecting tattoo ink with a tattoo needle and when injecting medicine with a
needle and syringe.

At the Danish hospital called Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of

Dermatology D, a large number of people with reactions to tattoos have been
examined as part of a department project. In addition, a number of
paraclinical examinations have been carried out in the form of i.a. allergy tests
and biopsies. Usually, it is not possible for the examined people to procure
exact information about which colour they have been tattooed with, but in this
case some could. The colours that were identified during the survey were
purchased and the compounds were examined in this project.

The selected cases have been supplemented with cases from other sources
where information about reactions and applied colours exists and on that basis
it will be estimated if general conclusions can be drawn about possible
relations between tattoo ink and clinical risks.

Some general observations will initially be presented and general patterns and
mechanisms will be outlined.

6.2 General conditions

Tattooing itself is accompanied by pain and under tattooing everybody

immediately experiences a reddening and certain swelling of the skin due to
the numerous needle pricks in the skin. During such an inflammatory
condition histamine is liberated in the skin – this substance is liberated in
connection with all skin traumas of a certain degree and in addition to pain
and suffering also results in a temporary reaction in the vessels of the skin
followed by reddening and a sensation of heat. In the days after and several
weeks after tattooing, a rejection reaction of damaged skin appears and in
addition to that there is a certain rejection of surplus pigment existing in the
superficial layers of the skin and in scabs. At the beginning, the skin can be
humid and suppurating. During healing, there is a phase with dryness and
creation of scale and chaps might arise. A moisturising cream is often used
according to the recommendation of the tattooist. In uncomplicated cases, the
skin heals after 3-4 weeks. Healing can be complicated by infections from the
bacteria of the skin or from micro organisms coming from the tattoo ink.

A couple of months pass before cronical complications of permanent

character appear. In those cases, the skin often thickens, possibly becomes
extremely thick, with scale creation and troublesome itching and pain. Such
complications require dermatological treatment.

Cronical adverse events such as swelling and itching when the tattoo is
exposed to sunlight are other well-konwn complications or adverse events.
Often, the tattooed person does not consult a doctor about the problem, but
merely uses a sun creme on the tattoo or according to routine covers the
tattoo with clothing. The reactions calm down in a few hours and leave no
after-effects. They consistently appear during exposure to sun.

The chronical reactions of permanent character can in principle be induced

either by the particles or by the chemical substances in the colours or possibly
by a chemical substance on the surface of the particles.

Particles are foreign bodies. In general, foreign bodies liberate a so-called

foreign body reaction in the skin as the organism trys either to encapsulate
and inactivate the particle or attempts to find its way to the skin surface and
expel the foreign body. Under the microscope, the creation of encapsulated
particle and cell nests can be seen, so-called granuloma. This type of tattoo
reaction is rather frequent. Clinically, tattoo granuloma appear as tissue in the
size of a pea formed as a dome in a certain colour in the tattoo.

A frequent, permanent type of reaction is the lichenoid reaction, where

epidermis thickens with squamous, cornified formations of up to a thickness
of 5-10 mm in all parts of the tattoo where a certain colour exists, most often
124
red . Under the microscope, it appears that epidermis cells have proliferated
and there is a great occurrence of white blood cells, so-called inflammation.
The mediators of inflammation give rise to itching and adverse events. This
type of reaction is not explained as a foreign body reaction and can be due to
several mechanisms:

 Chemical irritation from the pigment and/or chemical substances in

the tattoo ink of an unspecified character causing a chronical
inflammatory condition. The irritation might originate from too much
colour being tattooed into the skin. The irritation can vary from light
to severe and can possibly manifest itself as a lichenoid reaction.

 Allergic reaction aimed at a chemical substance (e.g. pigment or

residue) in the colour, chemical substance that is split off the pigment

124
Examinations carried out at Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology D
 or exposed on the surface of the pigment, or as residue contained in
the pigment particles. The allergy-causing agent can be the chemical
substance itself or the substance in connection with a tissue protein or
an amino acid, a hapten. The immune system regards the allergenic
agent as a foreign body and trys to eliminate it by creating
lymphocytes that are specifically aimed at the allergy-causing agent
and that concentrate in the tattoo resulting in a chronical reaction
possibly in the form of a lichenoid reaction, clinically speaking.
Allergic reaction in tattoos can also result from other substances than
the pigment, including residue from the production of e.g. nickel and
chromium. Tattoo inks are not suited for allergy tests in the form of
contact allergy tests/patch tests as the colorant in the ink is partly
unknown, particulate and not in soluble form and as the particles can
be chemically coated. In addition, some tattoo colours are mixed
colours that contain several different pigments. Therefore, a patch test
would not be able to conclude which content in the tatto colour
specifically induces the allergic reaction and to transfer it to other
tattoo inks. Complex allergic reactions in the body mediated by
tattooing in the form of widespread reactions in the vascular system,
vasculitis, and in the form of iritis in the eye, also after tattooing, can
be induced through an allergic reaction by a pigment protein complex
and allergic reactions to tattoo colours are not obligatory limited to a
simple chemical substance as mediator. The above indicates that an
allergic reation to tattoo inks can comprise several types of allergic
mechanisms and not merely type IV allergy (contact allergy).

 Reaction with deep wounds in the skin, i.e. ulceration and possibly
necrosis with a wound in subcutis that will not heal. The mechanism
in these very severe reactions can be a direct effect on the tissue from
a colour that constitutes a severe basic chemical irritant, a severe
allergic reaction or exposure to a chemical substance in the colour with
a cytotoxic effect. The rare appearance of these reactions and their
long and therapy resistant courses indicate that the reactions typically
are allergic and that the allergy is serious. Manifestation can result in
disablement and the need for surgical treatment, including
amputation, might arise. A generalised allergic reaction can develop.

Special mechanisms and reactions to tattooing comprise:

 The influence of pigment and/or chemical substances on the cells and

tissue of the skin with the induction of an abnormal biological reaction
in the skin through the influence of cells and tissue of the skin as a
well-defined proliferative response with increased proliferation of
certain cells – by increased proliferation of epidermis cells (a lichenoid
reaction - see above), by stimulation of the collagen creating cells of
the skin, fibroblasts, abnormally increased cicatrization in the tattoo in
the form of a keloid, by initiating the concentration of white blood
cells in the skin the creation of pseudolymphoma, a benign type of
leukaemia.

 Carcinogenic effect on the cells of the skin resulting in an uninhibited

regeneration of cells and aggressive growth with skin cancer, especially
basal cell carcinoma and melanoms, or by further development of
pseudolymphoma to an actual leucemic condition. However, the
frequency of this and the casual relation between tattoo ink and cancer
 originating in a tattoo has currently not been concluded as only sparse
observations exist. A carcinogenic effect could be manifested in the
lymph glands that drain the tattooed skin area, especially if the area of
the tattoo is large.

 Congenital malformations, teratogenic effect, presuppose systematic

circulation of substance from the tattoo. The effect, which could be of
clinical importance to tattoos made during the first three months of a
pregnancy and which could be induced by a small substance amount,
has not been systematically investigated and has therefore not been
clarified and can therefore not be excluded.

6.3 Cases

Table 6.1 shows the findings in eight persons with nine reactions to tattoos of
which five were investigated and elucidated at Bispebjerg Hospital,
Department of Dermatology D. A clinical evaluation was carried out and
when feasible it was supplemented with skin biopsy and standard allergy tests
(patch tests) for contact allergy, including tests for nickel allergy and
chromium as well as tests on specific tattoo inks used by a specific tattooist in
the specific case that caused problems.

On the basis of the information stated on the labels of the tattoo ink used on 5
persons, 12 different pigments formed part of the applied tattoo inks
established by their CI number. However, CI 77891 was the only pigment
that recurred in two applied colours. That might be an incidental observation
and the table shows that neither one nor a few pigments exist that have the
main responsibility or the general responsibility for the reactions.

None of the five persons who were examined at Bispebjerg Hospital by means
of standard allergy tests showed a reaction to nickel or chromium and an
active allergic reation to those metals was therefore unlikely as the reason for
the tattooing reactions, irrespective of the analytic content of these metals in
the tattoo inks. Either the expsosure to these metal ions during tattooing was
below a possible sensitization limit, or the metal ions were not in free form in
the tattoo inks, but bound in a chemical combination (pigment/subsidary
ingredient/chemical impurities). Finally, an explanation could be that the
persons were not susceptible to this specific allergy.

With regard to type of reaction, there were three different cases of lichenoid
reaction of different degrees. In connection with lichenoid reactions, the
changes developed over weeks to months and consisted of a nodular,
squamous firm swelling in the tattoo in all areas where the causative tattoo
colour had been used. Under the microscope, a pronounced reactive
thickening of epidermis and infiltration with white bloodcells was seen in the
underlying dermis, where the pigment that induced the reaction was found. In
connection with inflammatory reaction a quick reddening and swelling of the
skin appeared followed by healing after a shorter or longer period of time. In
connection with ulceration with necrosis (dead tissue) there was considerable
reddening and swelling of the skin with severe ulceration and dead tissue in
the tattoo, rejection of the tattoo and skin in full thickness in the course of a
few weeks resulting in a deep wound down to subcutis. The wound healed
slowly after months.
Table 6.1 Observed or reported clinical reactions to tattoo inks
Ink no. Text on label Source Clinical reaction
18 red CI# 12390 BBH/Patient 1 Lichenoid reaction, severe
Alcohol, glycerin
24 red CI# 73915 CI# Interview Reaction type uninformed
21110
CI# 77891 CI#
12477
Proprietary, glycerin,
isopropanol
35 CI# 73900 BBH/Patient 2 Lichenoid reaction, moderate
Violet Proprietary, glycerin,
isopropanol
36 CI# 21108 CI# BBH/Patient 3 Inflammatory reaction
Yellow 77891 (previous vaccination granuloma)
Alcohol, glycerin
37 CI# 15880 CI# BBH/Patient 4 Lichenoid reaction, severe
Violet 74160
CI# 77891 CI#74260
Alcohol, glycerin
48 red Uninformed Internet Uninformed
49 red Uninformed Internet Uninformed
53 red Uninformed BBH/Patient 5 Wound with skin necrosis, 3+
allergy test
57 Uinformed BBH/Patient 5 Inflammatory reaction, 2+ allergy
brown test
BBH = Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermatology D

The chemical analyses in this report were carried out on in-duplicate

purchased fresh samples of tattoo inks and not directly on the samples, which
the persons suffering from the reactions obtained from their tattooists. That
means that the samples were not strictly authentic. During allergy testing, the
authentic samples were used.

Two out of three persons with lichenoid reactions were tattooed with colours
with a high content of aluminium, while analysis of PAA did not show special
findings.

The person with known vaccination granuloma caused by foreign bodies in

the form of aluminium particles from previous vaccination did not have an
especially high content of aluminium in the applied tattoo ink and did not
react with a granulomatous reaction in the tattoo. The cause of the person’s
inflammatory reaction is unsolved, but hardly related to aluminium.

The person with a wound and skin necrosis in the tattoo differed partly by
having a serious, invasive complication in his tattoo and partly by having a
very positive allergy test reaction to the applied red colour besides a very
positive allergy test reaction to brown colour in the same series, irrespective of
the person not being tattooed with brown (the brown colour is assumed to
contain the same pigment as in red colour in mixtures with other pigments,
including carbon black as darkener). The series was imported from Taiwan.
The label did not state the name of the manufacturer or the CI number and
therefore there was no information about the chemical pigment.

The series consisted of a total of 6 colours, of which the 4 non-red colours in

allergy tests showed a negative reaction. Allergy tests of the red and brown
colour showed a positive reaction and the tattoo colours were analysed. A very
high content of PAA was demonstrated in both colours, which can indicate a
content of azo colorant. The conclusion concerning that person was that the
person probably had been allergically sensitized against red azo colorant or
PAA’s (e.g. present in the form of residue or decomposed from azo colorant)
and that the person had developed the allergy as a consequence of the tattoo
with red colour as there was a latent period of some weeks from tattooing took
place and till the reaction developed. The reaction resolved without other
complications as the skin in its entire thickness had been rejected and the
pigment thus eliminated.

The persons who had lichenoid reactions were all tested with the applied
colour. Two showed uncertain toxic reactions of a mild degree, but neither
had reactions that could be interpreted as allergic.

The mentioned cases indicate the existence of allergic reactions to azo

colorant or PAA’s (e.g. present in the form of residue or decomposed from
the azo colorant) in red tattoo ink and can give a heavy reaction with wounds
and skin nicrosis as the allergy-causing agent is deposited directly in the skin.
Allergic sensibilization hardly lies behind the lichenoid reactions, but it is
rather a reactive condition in the skin, whereby an attempt is made to
eliminate foreign matter in the skin transepidermally resulting in a special
reaction in epidermis with nodular thickening and lichenoid squamation.
However, it is not impossible that lichenoid reactions can hide reactions
against weak allergy-causing agents or allergenic agents with little discharge in
the skin, for instance due to coating of the pigment. Just as in the case of
pseudolymphomas (i.e. leukaemia-like reactions) in tattoos, it is not possible
in the light of the data this report is based on to further illustrate
granulomatous tattoo reactions that have much in common with vaccination
granuloma. However, on the basis of literature on i.a. vaccination granulona it
is probable that granulomatous reactions in tattoos are foreign body reactions
to i.a. particulate aluminium contained in the colours.

It is not possible to illustrate the possible injurous effect of tattoo pigment

deposited in lymph nodes or of pigment distributed systematically, possibly in
the form of nanoparticles, as that has not been clarified in studies.

In the course of the project, an analysis was not carried out on which azo
colorant formed the red pigment, which in the case of the person with an
allergic reaction with a wound and skin necrosis was the guilty allergy-causing
agent. A characterization of that could be of vital importance to solve why red
tattoo inks very frequently are reported to have side-effects.

Allergy similar reactions of the granulomatous type have been reported among
a number of tattooed persons. The reactions are probably related to
aluminium, as aluminium exists in all tattoo inks with only a few exceptions,
please see the results of the chemical analyses in Enclosure C. In tattoo inks it
is probably mainly a question of particulate aluminium in the form of silicate
or as another connection that as in paint is added to adjust the viscosity and to
make the product tixotropic. A well-documented case of aluminium-induced
125
granulomas in a tattoo has been published by McFadden et al. (1989) .

Since the 1970s, it is a well-known fact that aluminium in DiTePol vaccines

that are injected in subcutis can give long-term nodosity with granuloma
tissue structure that is interpreted as foreign body granuloma created with a
125
McFadden N., Lyberg T., Hensten-Pettersen A. Aluminium-induced granulomas
in a tattoo. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1989;20:903-8.
starting point in particles in aluminium hydroxide hydrate vaccines (Chong et
126
al. 2006 ).

Aluminium can induce reactions in the skin with eczema and inflammation,
but it is still unclear if the reactions are allergic or of another nature, e.g. toxic
with a background in the special physical-chemical reactions that can take
place on the surface of the particles. Aluminium granulomas have been
connected with granuloma creation in connection with sarcoidosis with lung
affection and it is possible that an individual disposition for granuloma
creation exists, a disposition that also can be of importance for tattoo
granuloma.

6.4 Conclusion and summary

Reactions to tattoos comprise immediate reactions and delayed reactions and

the clinical picture is rather manifold and does not have the same clinical
appearance. That speaks in favour of not being able to relate the reactions to
one individual chemical substance or type of substance, to one individual
physical property or to one individual mediator mechanism.

That is confirmed by observating eight cases. The pigments in the colours

showed great variation – only one pigment, CI 77891, recurred in two cases,
perhaps due to coincidence. The tattoo reactions could not be related to a
certain pigment as characterised by the CI number stated by the
manufacturer.

Six persons were allergy tested (patch tests) with the tattoo colour that gave
one person a serious reaction and with a general allergy test panel with the 42
most frequent contact allergy adverse events including nickel and chromium.
The tests showed a negative reaction except for the person who earlier had
reacted to the tattoo colour. That indicates that allergic mechanisms are
ordinary especially as the colours were placed concentrated on the skin.
However, tattoo ink is particulate and possibly coated and therefore not suited
for patch tests. Nickel or chromium allergy do not seem to have any
importance.

The person with a serious reaction in the form of a wound with necrosis in the
skin in the red tattoo, had a serious reaction to (3+ reaktion) to the patch test
with the applied tattoo colour. Demonstration of a high content of PAA in the
tattoo colour by analysis indicated that the red colorant was of the type azo
colorant. However, that does not mean that the specifically found PAA
induced the reaction.

Cases confirm that reactions in red colour or red mixed colours are frequent
and possibly related to content of azo colorant or the PAAs of the breaking
down products. The particular form of azo colorants, their possible coating
and other systematic conditions concerning these pigments, currently
unknown, can be particularly significant to the occurance of clinical reactions.
The cases do not unambiguously point at one specific pigment.

126
Chong H et al. Persistent nodules at injection sites (aluminium granuloma) –
clinicopathological study of 14 cases with a diverse range of histological reaction
patterns. Histopathology 2006;48:182-88.
 Enclosure A

Comparison of pigments is tattoo ink with the Executive Order on Cosmetics

Explanation to Table 1, “Area of application cosmetics”:
1. Ink permitted in all cosmetic products.
2. Ink permitted in all cosmetic products with the exeption of cosmetic products for use around
the
eyes, especially eye make-up and cleansers for that purpose.
3. Ink that solely is permitted in cosmetic products that are not intended for contact with the
mucous
membranes.
4. Ink that solely is permitted in cosmetic products that are intended for brief skin contact.

Table 1 Pigments used in cosmetic tattoo inks and pigments that appear from the Executive Order on
Cosmetics.
Name CAS no. Chemical name Field of application CI
cosmetics number
Pigment Violet 23 6358-30-1 8,18-dichloro-5,15-diethyl-5,15- Group 4 51319
dihydrodiindol[3,2-b:3',2'-
m]triphenodioxazine
Pigment Red 122 980-26-7 5,12-Dihydro-2,9- Group 4 73915
dimethylquino[2,3-b]acridin-7,14-
dione
Pigment Yellow 1 2512-29-0 2-[(4-methyl-2-nitrophenyl)azo]-3- Group 3 11680
oxo-N-phenylbutyramide
Pigment Orange 4424-06-0 Bisbenzimidazo[2,1-b:2',1'- Group 3 71105
43 i]benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-
8,17-dione
Pigment Green 7 1328-53-6 Polychloro copper phthalocyanine Group 2 74260
Pigment White 6 13463-67- Titanium dioxide Group 1 77891
7
Pigment Red 101 1309-37-1 Iron(III)Oxide Group 1 77491
Pigment Blue 15 147-14-8 Tetrabenzo-5,10,15,20- Group 1 74160
diazaporphyrinephthalocyanine
Pigment Blue 15:3 147-14-8 tetrabenzo-5,10,15,20- Group 1 74160
diazaporphyrinephthalocyanine
Pigment Black 7 1333-86-4 Carbon Black Group 1 77266
Pigment White 6 13463-67- Titanium dioxide Group 1 77891
7
Pigment Brown 6 52357-70- Iron oxide Group 1 77499
7
Pigment Red 101 1309-37-1 Iron (III)oxide Group 1 77491
Jernoxid 1345-25-1 Iron(II)oxide Group 1 77489
Pigment Yellow 42 51274-00- Iron (III)oxide, monohydrate Group 1 77492
1
Sudan Rød 1229-55-6 1-[(2-methoxyphenyl)azo]-2- Group 1 12150
Naphthalenol
Food Yellow 13 8004-92-0 2-(1,3-Dioxoindan-2-yl) Group 1 47005
quinolinedisulfonic acid sodium
salt;
Mangan Violet 10101-66- Manganese ammonium Group 1 77742
3 pyrophosphate
Food Red 17 25956-17- 2-Naphthalensulfonic acid, 6- Group 1 16035
6 hydroxy-5-((6-methoxy-4-sulfo-m-
tolyl)azo)-, disodium salt
Food Blue 2 3844-45-9 Disodium bis[4-(N-ethyl-N-3- Group 1 42090
sulfonatophenylmethyl)aminophen
yl]-
2- sulfonatophenylmethylium

124
Name CAS no. Chemical name Field of application CI
cosmetics number
Acid Red 87 17372-87- 2,4,5,7-Tetrabromofluorescein Group 1 45380
1
Pigment Yellow 83 5567-15-7 2,2'-[(3,3'-Dichlor[1,1'-biphenyl]- Group 4 21108
4,4'-diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(4-chlor-
2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-
oxobutyramid]
Pigment red 5 6410-41-9 N-(5-Chlor-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)- Group 1 12490
4-[[5-[(diethylamino)sulfonyl]-2-
methoxyphenyl]azo]-3-hydroxy-2-
naphthalencarboxamid
Pigment violet 19 1047-16-1 5,12-Dihydroquino[2,3-b]acridin- Group 4 73900
7,14-dion
Pigment red 63:1 6417-83-0 Calcium 3-hydroxy-4-[(1-sulfonat- Group 1 15880
2-naphthyl)azo]-2-naphthoat

Pigment Orange 5 3468-63-1 1-[(2,4-Dinitrophenyl)azo]-2- Not permitted 12075

naphthol
Table 2 Pigments in cosmetic tattoo inks and pigments that do not appear from the Executive Order on
Cosmetics
Name CAS no. Chemical name CI number
Pigment Orange 36 12236-62-3 2-((4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)azo)-N- 11780
(2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1H-
benzimidazol-5-yl)-3-oxobutanamide
Pigment Yellow 74 6358-31-2 2-[(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)azo]- 11741
N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-
oxobutyramide
Pigment Red 146 2786-76-7 4-[[4-(aminocarbonyl)phenyl]azo]- 12475
N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-
hydroxynaphthalene-2- carboxamide
Pigment Yellow 97 12225-18-2 N-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- 11767
2-[[2,5-dimethoxy-4-
[(phenylamino)-sulfonyl]-phenyl]
-azo]-3-oxo-butanamide
Pigment Red 146 5280-68-2 N-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- 12485
3-hydroxy-4-[[2-methoxy-5-
[(phenylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]azo
]naphthalene-2-carboxamide
Pigment Brown 25 6992-11-6 4-[(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-azo]-N- 12510
(2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1H-
benzimidazol-5-yl)-3-hydroxy-2-
naphthalenecarboxamide
Pigment Red 266 36968-27-1 Naphthol red 12474
 Enclosure B

Information on the pigments in the purchased inks

Content of pigment in an ink is marked with X in the tables.
The information is a copy from the labels and safety data sheets.
There is not in all cases agreement between the pigments stated on the labels and the pigments stated in the data safety sheets. That is the case for 10 of
the purchased tattoo inks. In connection with those 10 tattoo inks, information that is not stated on the label, but merely originates from the safety data
sheet, is indicated with *.

Table 1 Green colours

Info on label or safety data Pigment Type af pigment Green, Colour no.
sheet 6 7 13 16 26 31 41 44 55 60
Titanium Dioxide Titanium dioxide Inorganic pigment X X X X X
CI# 77891
CAS# 13463-67-7
Pigment Green 7 / Phthalocyanine Phthalocyanine X X X X* X
Phthalocyanine Green 7
CI# 74260
CAS# 1328-53-6
Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 / (29H,31H-phthalocyaninato Phthalocyanine X X
Pigment Blue 15 (2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32)
CI# 74160 Copper
CAS# 147-14-8
Pigment yellow 151 2-[[1-[[(2,3-Dihydro-2-oxo-1H- Azo colorant X
CI# 13980 benzimidazol-5-yl)amino]carbonyl]-2-
CAS# 31837-42-0 oxopropyl]azo]benzoic acid
Pigment yellow 83 2,2'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'- Azo colorant X X*
CI# 21108 diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(4-chloro-2,5-
CAS# 5567-15-7 dimethoxyphenyl)-3-oxobutyramide]
Pigment Yellow 74 / Arylide 2-[(2-Methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)azo]-N- Azo colorant X
Yellow (2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxobutyramide
CI# 11741
CAS# 6358-31-2
Pigment yellow 65 2-[(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)azo]-N- Azo colorant X
CI# 11740 (2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-butyramide
CAS# 6528-34-3
Pigment black 7 Carbon black Carbon black X
CI# 77266
Carbon black 7 Carbon black Carbon black X
CI# 77226

127
 Info on label or safety data Pigment Type af pigment Green, Colour no.
sheet 6 7 13 16 26 31 41 44 55 60
Pigment red 5 N-(5-Chloro-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4- Azo colorant X
CI# 12490 [[5-[(diethylamino)sulfonyl]-2-
CAS# 6410-41-9 methoxyphenyl]azo]-3-hydroxy-2-
naphthalenecarboxamide
Pigment orange 13 4,4'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'- Azo colorant X
CI# 21110 diyl)bis(azo)]bis[2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-
CAS# 3520-72-7 2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one]
Pigment yellow 14 2,2'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'- Azo colorant X
CI# 21095 diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(2-methylphenyl)-
CAS# 5468-75-7 3-oxobutyramide]
Pigment orange 16 2,2'-((3,3'-Dimethoxy(1,1'-biphenyl)- Azo colorant X*
CI# 21160 4,4'-diyl)bis(azo))bis(3-oxo-N-
CAS# 6505-28-8 phenylbutyramide)
Pigment Orange 5 1-[(2,4-Dinitrophenyl)azo]-2-naphthol Azo colorant X
CI# 12075
CAS# 3468-63-1
*According to data sheet

128
Table 2 Red colours
Info on label or safety data sheet Pigment name Type of Red, Colour no.
pigment 1 5 17 18¤ 24¤ 33 34 39 48¤ 49 53¤ 63
¤
Pigment Red 170 4-[[4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl]azo]- Azo colorant X X* X* X X
CI# 12475 N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-
CAS# 2786-76-7 hydroxynaphthalene-2-
carboxamide
Pigment red 210 Permanent Red F 6RK; Pigment X X X
CI# 12477 Red 5S; Red 5S; Sunbrite Red 210
CAS#
61932-63-6
Pigment red 17 3-Hydroxy-4-[(2-methyl-5- Azo colorant X
CI# 12390 nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2-
CAS# 6655-84-1 methylphenyl)-2-
naphthalenecarboxamide; 3-
Hydroxy-4-[(2-methyl-5-
nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(o-
tolyl)naphthalene-2-carboxamide
Titanium Dioxide Titanium Dioxide Inorganic X* X X
CI# 77891 pigment
CAS#
13463-67-7
Pigment red 2 4-[(2,5-Dichlorophenyl)azo]-3- Azo colorant X*
CI# 12310 hydroxy-N-phenylnaphthalene-2-
CAS# 6041-94-7 carboxamide
Pigment Red 122 5,12-Dihydro-2,9- Acridine X
CI# 73915 dimethylquino[2,3-b]acridine-7,14-
CAS# 980-26-7 dione

Pigment orange 13 4,4'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]- Azo colorant X X

CI# 21110 4,4'-diyl)bis(azo)]bis[2,4-dihydro-5-
CAS# 3520-72-7 methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one]
Pigment Yellow 97 N-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- Azo colorant X*
CI# 11767 2-[[2,5-dimethoxy-4-
CAS# [(phenylamino)sulphonyl]
12225-18-2 phenyl]azo]-3-oxobutyramide

129
 Info on label or safety data sheet Pigment name Type of Red, Colour no.
pigment 1 5 17 18¤ 24¤ 33 34 39 48¤ 49 53¤ 63
¤
Pigment red 146 N-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) Azo colorant X
CI# 12485 -3-hydroxy-4-[[2-methoxy-5-
CAS# 5280-68-2 [(phenylamino)carbonyl]
phenyl]azo]naphthalene-2-
carboxamide
Pigment red 5 N-(5-Chloro-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)- Azo colorant X
CI# 12490 4-[[5-[(diethylamino)sulfonyl]-2-
CAS# 6410-41-9 methoxyphenyl]azo]-3-hydroxy-2-
naphthalenecarboxamide
Pigment black 7 Carbon black Carbon X
CI# 77266 black
Pigment yellow 65 2-[(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)azo]- Azo colorant X
CI# 11740 N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-
CAS# 6528-34-3 butyramide
*According to data sheet
¤ Tattoo inks, registered in connection with skin reactions

130
Table 3 Blue colours
Info on label or safety data Pigment name Type af pigment Blue, Colour no.
sheet 8 15 25 32 38 45 56 62
Titanium Dioxide Titanium Dioxide Inorganic X X X X X X
CI# 77891 pigment
CAS# 13463-67-7
Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 / (29H,31H-phthalocyaninato Phthalocyanine X X X X X
Pigment Blue 15 (2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32)
CI# 74160 Copper
CAS# 147-14-8
Pigment black 7 Carbon black X
CI# 77266
Pigment red 146 N-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) Azo colorant X
CI# 12485 -3-hydroxy-4-[[2-methoxy-5-
CAS# 5280-68-2 [(phenylamino)carbonyl]
phenyl]azo]naphthalene-2-carboxamide
Pigment Green 7 / Accosperse Phthalocyanine X X
Phthalocyanine Green 7 Cyan green g;
CI# 74260 Brilliant green
CAS# 1328-53-6 phthalocyanine

Table 4 Black colours

Info on label or safety Pigment name Black, Colour no.
data sheet 2 3 10 11 12 23 30 42 43 51 58
Pigment black 7 Carbon black X X X
CI# 77266
Carbon black 7 Carbon black X X X X
CI# 77226

Table 5 White colours

Info on label or safety Pigment name White, Colour no.
data sheet Type af pigment 4 14 22 46 52 59
Titanium Dioxide Titanium dioxide Inorganic X X X
CI# 77891 pigment
CAS# 13463-67-7

131
Table 6 Yellow colours
Info on label or safety Pigment name Type af pigment Yellow, Colour no.
data sheet 9 19 27 36¤ 40 47 54 61
Pigment orange 16 2,2'-((3,3'-Dimethoxy(1,1'- Azo colorant X X*
CI# 21160 biphenyl)-4,4'-
CAS# 6505-28-8 diyl)bis(azo))bis(3-oxo-N-
phenylbutyramide)
Pigment yellow 83 2,2'-[(3,3'-dichlorobiphenyl-4,4'- X X
CI# 21108 diyl)diazene-2,1-diyl]bis[N-(4-
CAS# 5567-15-7 chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-
oxobutanamide]
Pigment yellow 151 2-[[1-[[(2,3-Dihydro-2-oxo-1H- Azo colorant X
CI# 13980 benzimidazol-5-
CAS# 31837-42-0 yl)amino]carbonyl]-2-
oxopropyl]azo]benzoic acid
Pigment Yellow 74 / 2-[(2-Methoxy-4- Azo colorant X X
Arylide Yellow nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2-
CI# 11741 methoxyphenyl)-3-
CAS# 6358-31-2 oxobutyramide
Titanium Dioxide Titanium Dioxide Inorganic X* X X X X
CI# 77891 pigment
CAS# 13463-67-7
Pigment yellow 65 2-[(4-Methoxy-2- Azo colorant X
CI# 11740 nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2-
CAS# 6528-34-3 methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-
butyramide
Pigment Yellow 97 N-(4-Chloro-2,5- Azo colorant X*
CI# 11767 dimethoxyphenyl)-2-[[2,5-
CAS# 12225-18-2 dimethoxy-4-
[(phenylamino)sulphonyl]
phenyl]azo]-3-oxobutyramide
Pigment yellow 14 2,2'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]- Azo colorant X
CI# 21095 4,4'-diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(2-
CAS# 5468-75-7 methylphenyl)-3-oxobutyramide]
Pigment Orange 5 1-[(2,4-Dinitrophenyl)azo]-2- Azo colorant X
CI# 12075 naphthol
CAS# 3468-63-1
*According to data sheet
¤ Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

132
Table 7 Orange colours and peach colours
Info on label or safety data sheet Pigment name Type af pigment Colour no.
Orange Peach Orange Peach Orange Peach
20 21 28 29 65 64
Pigment red 210 Permanent Red F 6RK; Pigment Red 5S; X X
CI# 12477 Red 5S; Sunbrite Red 210
CAS# 61932-63-6
Ferric oxide Iron(III)oxide Inorganic X
CI# 77491 pigment
CAS# 1309-37-1
Titanium Dioxide Titanium dioxide Inorganic X X X X
CI# 77891 pigment
CAS# 13463-67-7
Pigment Yellow 74 / Arylide Yellow 2-[(2-Methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2- Azo colorant X
CI# 11741 methoxyphenyl)-3-oxobutyramide
CAS# 6358-31-2
Pigment yellow 65 2-[(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2- Azo colorant X
CI# 11740 methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-butyramide
CAS# 6528-34-3
Pigment orange 13 4,4'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'- Azo colorant X X
CI# 21110 diyl)bis(azo)]bis[2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-
CAS# 3520-72-7 phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one]
Pigment Yellow 97 N-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-[[2,5- Azo colorant X*
CI# 11767 dimethoxy-4-[(phenylamino)sulphonyl]
CAS# 12225-18-2 phenyl]azo]-3-oxobutyramide
Pigment Red 122 5,12-Dihydro-2,9-dimethylquino[2,3- Acridin X
CI# 73915 b]acridine-7,14-dione
CAS# 980-26-7
Pigment orange 16 2,2'-((3,3'-Dimethoxy(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'- Azo colorant X X*
CI# 21160 diyl)bis(azo))bis(3-oxo-N-
CAS# 6505-28-8 phenylbutyramide)
Pigment yellow 14 2,2'-[(3,3'-Dichloro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'- Azo colorant X*
CI# 21095 diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(2-methylphenyl)-3-
CAS# 5468-75-7 oxobutyramide]
Pigment Red 170 4-[[4-(aminocarbonyl)phenyl]azo]-N-(2- Azo colorant X X*
CI# 12475 ethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-
CAS# 2786-76-7 Naphthalenecarboxamide
Pigment Orange 5 1-[(2,4-Dinitrophenyl)azo]-2-naphthol Azo colorant X
CI# 12075
CAS# 3468-63-1

133
Info on label or safety data sheet Pigment name Type af pigment Colour no.
Orange Peach Orange Peach Orange Peach
20 21 28 29 65 64
Acid Brown 14 4,4’-[(2,4-dihydroxy-1,3- Azo colorant X
CI# 20195 phenylene)bis(azo)]bis-1-
CAS# 5850-16-8 naphthalenesulfonicacid
*According to data sheet

Table 8 Violet and brown colours

Info on label or safety data Pigment name Type af pigment Colour no.
sheet Violet Violet Violet Brown
35¤ 37¤ 50 57¤
Pigment violet 19 5,12-Dihydroquino[2,3- Acridine X
CI# 73900 b]acridine-7,14-dione
CAS# 1047-16-1
Pigment red 63:1 Calcium 3-hydroxy-4-[(1- Azo colorant X
CI# 15880 sulphonato-2-
CAS# 6417-83-0 naphthyl)azo]-2-
naphthoate

Phthalocyanine Blue 15:3 / (29H,31H- Phthalocyanine X

Pigment Blue 15 phthalocyaninato
CI# 74160 (2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32)
CAS# 147-14-8 copper
Titanium Dioxide Titanium Dioxide Inorganic pigment X* X
CI# 77891
CAS# 13463-67-7
Pigment Green 7 / Accosperse Phthalocyanine X
Phthalocyanine Green 7 Cyan green g;
CI# 74260 Brilliant green
CAS# 1328-53-6 phthalocyanine
Pigment Red 122 5,12-Dihydro-2,9- Acridine X*
CI# 73915 dimethylquino[2,3-
CAS# 980-26-7 b]acridine-7,14-dione
*According to data sheet
¤Tattoo ink that is registered in connection with skin reactions

134
 Enclosure C

Results of ICP/MS screening

This enclosure states the results of the ICP/MS screening, see Chapter 4.

The results of the ICP/MS screening analyses appear in the following tables as
the results are classified according to colour. Tattoo inks that were registered
in connection with skin reactions have a *. Indication of <DL are results
below the detection limit.

Table 1 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for black and grey tattoo inks, µg/g
Element DL Colour no.
Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Grey
2 3 11 12 42 23 30 43 51 58 10
Li 0.04 1.6 <DL <DL <DL 1.4 <DL 1.4 0.083 <DL <DL <DL
B 1 2600 5.8 <DL <DL 2200 <DL 2200 6.7 <DL <DL <DL
Na 1 5800 140 410 510 4500 140 5600 890 290 120 330
Mg 0.1 7.5 10 15 17 6.2 7.7 9.8 87 6.6 18 25
Al 0.2 1.7 47 11 46 1.4 16 2.6 34 5.8 310 4.0
Si 0.4 8.0 130 34 34 25 29 13 58 19 96 44
P 0.2 11 13 5.9 290 11 <DL 9.8 <DL 0.79 8.4 150
K 1 31 120 45 680 20 89 25 87 39 150 12
Ca 1 58 30 68 63 91 30 100 190 28 37 360
Sc 0.01 0.012 0.041 0.026 0.026 0.021 0.015 0.016 0.026 0.013 0.021 0.032
Ti 0.02 0.088 3.1 0.77 2.07 0.40 1.4 1.2 2.7 0.65 1.7 1.1
V 0.1 <DL 0.69 0.41 0.57 <DL 0.74 <DL 0.50 <DL 0.12 0.12
Cr 0.04 1.1 1.9 1.8 3.02 0.74 1.8 1.1 8.9 4.4 2.3 1.4
Mn 0.01 0.16 0.30 2.1 2.16 0.092 0.15 0.19 1.2 0.62 0.87 0.73
Fe 1 13 25 380 360 6.3 17 8.9 240 36 160 32
Co 0.01 <DL 0.018 0.024 0.061 <DL 0.017 <DL 0.037 0.035 0.022 0.031
Ni 0.02 1.3 0.50 0.48 0.69 0.96 0.46 1.2 0.72 2.5 0.63 0.33
Cu 0.02 0.25 0.61 1.0 3.47 0.24 0.63 0.30 18 0.40 0.92 0.48
Zn 0.2 0.89 2.7 1.1 0.45 1.2 0.84 2.3 2.9 23 0.99 5.3
Ga 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.019 <DL <DL <DL 0.012 0.051 0.053 <DL
As 0.04 0.086 0.19 0.085 0.24 0.14 0.12 0.095 0.067 0.25 0.050 0.40
Se 0.04 0.081 0.49 0.045 0.37 0.13 0.25 0.068 0.15 0.13 <DL 1.3
Rb 0.01 0.028 0.032 0.013 0.087 0.029 0.024 0.045 <DL 0.024 0.018 <DL
Sr 0.01 0.72 0.20 0.35 0.35 0.46 0.19 0.70 3.3 0.18 0.31 0.70
Y 0.01 <DL 0.015 <DL 0.012 <DL 0.016 <DL 0.043 0.063 <DL <DL
Zr 0.01 4.3 5.4 0.031 2.8 3.1 3.9 5.5 8.2 8.0 0.20 1.2
Nb 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.012 <DL <DL <DL
Mo 0.01 0.093 0.078 0.082 0.24 0.13 0.046 0.15 0.15 0.058 0.12 0.061
Cd 0.01 0.024 <DL 0.017 <DL <DL 0.013 <DL <DL 0.045 0.012 0.015
In 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.010 <DL <DL
Sn 0.04 <DL <DL 0.049 0.064 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.16 <DL <DL
Sb 0.01 <DL <DL 0.58 0.51 <DL 0.088 <DL 1.2 0.048 <DL <DL
Cs 0.01 0.024 <DL <DL <DL 0.025 0.021 0.043 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ba 0.01 0.12 0.23 0.41 1.02 0.23 0.59 0.34 1.3 0.91 7.4 0.40

135
Element DL Colour no.
Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Grey
2 3 11 12 42 23 30 43 51 58 10
La 0.01 <DL 4.8 1.1 0.91 <DL 1.1 <DL 2.7 0.024 0.39 <DL
Ce 0.01 <DL 0.26 0.11 0.049 <DL 0.22 <DL 0.86 0.039 0.062 <DL
Pr 0.01 <DL 0.027 0.012 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.024 <DL <DL <DL
Nd 0.01 <DL 0.033 0.022 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.042 <DL 0.011 <DL
Sm 0.01 <DL 0.023 0.017 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Gd 0.01 <DL <DL 0.010 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Er 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.010 <DL <DL
Yb 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013 <DL <DL
Lu 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Hf 0.01 0.058 0.092 <DL 0.050 0.042 0.064 0.083 0.17 0.20 <DL <DL
W 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.098 <DL 0.048 <DL 0.031 0.021 <DL 0.21
Tl 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.039 <DL <DL
Pb 0.01 0.029 1.5 0.035 0.045 0.017 0.052 0.024 0.033 1.5 0.056 0.13
Bi 0.01 <DL <DL 0.12 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.10 <DL 0.28
Th 0.01 <DL 0.016 0.78 <DL <DL 0.015 <DL 0.024 0.12 <DL <DL

Be, Ta, Ru, Pd, Ag, Te, Eu, Td, Dy, Ho, Tm, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg and U were
not demonstrated in the black tattoo inks.

136
Table 2 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for red tattoo inks, µg/g
Element DL Colour no.
Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red
1 5 17 18 * 24 * 33 34 39 48 * 49 * 53 * 63
Li 0.04 2.2 0.45 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.063 0.059
B 1 2.9 1.6 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.0 <DL <DL <DL
Na 1 920 590 64 58 200 150 99 160 310 210 500 52
Mg 0.1 67 19 23 23 16 1300 19 6.7 760 660 100 1700
Al 0.2 2300 2600 3.0 590 710 270 120 220 61 52 23 210
Si 0.4 240 300 20 97 170 490 130 30 100 120 39 210
P 0.2 65 50 46 33 76 13 21 12 110 120 26 13
K 1 300 22 28 24 16 31 14 7.5 45 12 19 26
Ca 1 96 300 75 72 76 350 930 37 96 86 16000 130
Sc 0.01 0.13 0.18 <DL 0.053 0.043 0.19 0.062 0.016 0.038 0.044 0.038 0.078
Ti 0.02 7.0 30 0.31 100 57 43 21 45 2.2 6.6 1.5 5.6
V 0.1 0.18 0.81 <DL 0.26 0.35 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.26 <DL 0.50
Cr 0.04 11 1.6 0.53 0.63 3.8 <DL 3.6 6.3 1.8 6.9 6.4 3.9
Mn 0.01 2.5 0.33 0.26 0.25 0.41 0.97 0.42 0.31 0.47 4.6 2.6 0.91
Fe 1 180 100 10 9.5 23 52 23 16 27 25000 89 50
Co 0.01 0.15 0.019 <DL 0.011 <DL <DL 0.012 <DL <DL 0.21 0.042 0.018
Ni 0.02 7.3 0.11 0.13 0.31 0.28 0.21 0.24 0.18 0.18 1.4 3.4 0.85
Cu 0.02 1.2 0.40 0.17 0.61 0.68 11 2.1 1.5 0.69 3.8 0.33 8.0
Zn 0.2 3.1 1.8 2.0 1.6 2.6 53 1.8 1.5 8.1 8.9 4.8 1.5
Ga 0.01 0.79 0.64 <DL 0.051 0.098 0.051 0.030 0.043 0.018 0.25 0.014 0.045
As 0.04 0.94 0.72 0.044 0.041 0.12 0.35 0.13 0.027 0.051 0.86 0.096 0.11
Se 0.04 1.71 0.33 0.081 <DL 0.17 0.15 0.15 0.074 0.13 <DL <DL 0.31
Rb 0.01 4.2 0.18 <DL <DL 0.028 0.025 0.042 0.011 0.022 0.016 0.019 0.027
Sr 0.01 2.5 0.77 0.53 0.54 0.78 1.7 5.9 0.16 0.38 0.39 9.9 3.8
Y 0.01 4.1 0.11 <DL <DL 0.016 <DL 0.013 <DL 0.017 0.042 0.18 0.14
Zr 0.01 70 2.4 0.89 110 18 0.83 1.9 21 4.7 9.5 5.8 49
Nb 0.01 0.10 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.031 <DL 0.11 <DL 0.000
Mo 0.01 1.6 0.020 0.016 <DL <DL <DL 0.016 0.036 0.082 0.52 0.059 0.088
Pd 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.14 <DL <DL 0.18 <DL <DL 0.017 0.36
Ag 0.01 0.016 <DL <DL 0.025 <DL <DL <DL 0.013 <DL 0.015 <DL 0.000
Cd 0.01 0.026 0.015 0.041 0.021 0.036 0.042 0.051 0.040 0.058 0 0.017 0.051
Sn 0.04 0.53 <DL <DL 0.065 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.41 <DL <DL
Sb 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.039 0.014 <DL
Cs 0.01 0.43 0.028 <DL <DL <DL 0.041 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ba 0.01 4.5 1.1 21 19 29 140 100 0.53 0.89 4.6 25 180
La 0.01 0.25 0.16 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.015 0.057 0.012
Ce 0.01 0.62 0.28 <DL <DL 0.044 0.027 0.016 2.8 0.041 0.094 0.068 0.025
Pr 0.01 0.079 0.037 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.012 <DL
Nd 0.01 0.31 0.12 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.051 0.012
Sm 0.01 0.087 0.023 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Eu 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013
Gd 0.01 0.10 0.021 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.015 <DL

137
Element DL Colour no.
Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red
1 5 17 18 * 24 * 33 34 39 48 * 49 * 53 * 63
Dy 0.01 0.082 0.014 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.018 0.011
Er 0.01 0.043 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013 0.014
Yb 0.01 0.053 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013 0.024
Hf 0.01 1.0 0.040 0.014 1.7 0.12 <DL 0.026 0.26 0.077 0.15 0.10 0.64
W 0.01 0.13 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.081 0.056 <DL <DL
Pt 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.018 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Tl 0.01 0.019 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Pb 0.01 0.39 1.34 0.039 0.051 0.067 0.30 0.13 0.13 0.082 0.20 0.50 0.13
Bi 0.01 0.20 0.015 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.018 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Th 0.01 1.3 1.5 <DL <DL 0.15 0.054 0.088 0.014 0.043 0.10 0.11 0.36
U 0.04 <DL 0.14 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.11 0.062
’*’ indicates tattoo inks where skin reactions have been observed.

Be, Ru, In, Te, Tb, Ho, Tm, Lu, Ta, Os, Ir, Au and Hg were not
demonstrated in the red tattoo inks.

138
Table 3 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for orange, peach, violet and brown tattoo inks, µg/g
Element DL Colour no.
Orange Orange Orange Peach Peach Peach Violet Violet Violet Brown
20 28 65 21 29 64 35 * 37 * 50 57 *
Li 0.04 0.81 <DL 1.7 0.28 <DL 0.16 <DL <DL <DL <DL
B 1 1.7 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 1.2 <DL
Na 1 520 150 270 180 490 320 210 530 330 450
Mg 0.1 76 24 20 14 250 240 14 22 15 67
Al 0.2 1100 2600 1700 7100 9300 8400 1.8 1030 6.2 14
Si 0.4 190 170 200 170 17 66 17 130 9.2 15
P 0.2 33 2.9 2.9 <DL 3.6 4.1 100 18 210 9.2
K 1 55 26 130 20 46 80 13 19 60 18
Ca 1 120 2400 68 70 220 170 53 87 66 1000
Sc 0.01 0.12 0.12 0.13 0.27 0.33 0.39 0.013 0.083 <DL 0.014
Ti 0.02 8.2 140 8.6 400 370 400 1.5 43 1.1 0.64
V 0.1 1.7 0.45 0.40 0.21 0.31 0.44 <DL 0.16 <DL <DL
Cr 0.04 31 3.6 2.3 0.96 1.5 0.77 1.3 1.2 1.5 1.5
Mn 0.01 42 0.47 1.5 0.90 2.8 2.4 0.16 0.37 0.25 0.30
Fe 1 14000 21 64 19 56 54 8.6 22 20 25
Co 0.01 2.2 0.015 0.075 0.029 0.048 0.040 <DL 0.068 <DL 0.019
Ni 0.02 18 0.65 0.45 1.3 1.7 1.4 0.18 0.44 0.19 1.0
Cu 0.02 100 1.1 0.64 3.4 0.68 1.2 1.0 1020 0.69 140
Zn 0.2 24 1.6 1.1 2.2 3.5 2.6 0.89 1.7 0.62 2.5
Ga 0.01 0.67 0.29 0.71 0.88 1.1 1.0 <DL 0.12 <DL <DL
As 0.04 0.70 0.066 0.051 <DL 0.30 0.26 0.14 0.081 <DL 0.088
Se 0.04 <DL 0.21 0.14 0.041 0.90 0.91 0.18 0.23 0.093 0.14
Rb 0.01 0.10 0.055 0.038 0.018 0.30 0.21 0.017 0.014 0.018 0.017
Sr 0.01 1.19 6.7 0.79 0.70 0.94 0.62 0.51 2.7 0.32 1.9
Y 0.01 0.082 0.022 0.061 0.023 0.14 0.11 <DL 0.033 <DL 0.015
Zr 0.01 2.3 360 3.3 1300 1900 2200 2.3 220 1.7 2.1
Nb 0.01 0.039 <DL <DL 0.012 0.015 0.022 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Mo 0.01 2.1 <DL 0.049 <DL 0.014 <DL 0.056 0.023 0.063 0.23
Pd 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 11 15 16 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ag 0.01 0.021 0.066 <DL 0.22 0.31 0.33 <DL 0.044 <DL <DL
Cd 0.01 0.035 0.086 0.043 0.19 0.055 0.27 <DL <DL <DL 0.025
Sn 0.04 4.13 <DL 0.10 0.069 0.26 0.24 <DL 0.14 <DL <DL
Sb 0.01 0.14 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.039 0.012
Cs 0.01 0.011 <DL <DL <DL 0.019 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ba 0.01 43 250 11 1.3 3.7 1.4 8.8 44 0.49 11
La 0.01 0.61 0.013 0.30 0.059 0.18 0.079 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ce 0.01 1.2 0.038 0.57 0.10 0.36 0.14 <DL <DL 0.020 <DL
Pr 0.01 0.073 <DL 0.059 0.010 0.064 0.020 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Nd 0.01 0.21 <DL 0.21 0.032 0.18 0.073 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Sm 0.01 0.038 <DL 0.032 <DL 0.025 0.017 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Eu 0.01 <DL 0.018 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Gd 0.01 0.026 <DL 0.028 <DL 0.027 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL

139
Element DL Colour no.
Orange Orange Orange Peach Peach Peach Violet Violet Violet Brown
20 28 65 21 29 64 35 * 37 * 50 57 *
Dy 0.01 0.016 <DL 0.018 <DL 0.018 <DL <DL 0.012 <DL <DL
Er 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.010 <DL <DL 0.014 <DL <DL
Yd 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.020 <DL <DL
Hf 0.01 0.039 4.9 0.042 15 25 28 0.024 2.5 0.022 0.036
W 0.01 0.021 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.016 <DL 0.32 0.051
Pt 0.01 <DL 0.042 <DL 0.15 0.21 0.21 <DL 0.022 <DL <DL
Au 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.020 0.028 0.030 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Hg 0.04 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.11 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Pb 0.01 1.6 0.21 0.36 0.11 0.19 0.11 0.016 0.092 0.024 0.21
Bi 0.01 0.044 <DL 0.011 <DL 0.012 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Th 0.01 0.27 0.026 0.67 0.073 0.23 0.18 0.011 0.082 <DL 0.030
U 0.04 0.069 <DL 0.11 <DL 0.037 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.080
’*’ indicates tatttoo inks where skin reactions have been observed.

Be, Ru, In, Te, Tb, Ho, Tm, Lu, Ta, Os, Ir and Tl were not demonstrated in
orange, peach, violet or brown tattoo inks.

140
Table 4 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for blue tattoo inks, µg/g
Colour no.
Element DL Blue Blue Pale Blue Pale Blue Blue
blue blue
8 15 25 32 38 45 62
Li 0.04 0.040 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.082
B 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.83 <DL
Na 1 370 54 120 210 130 240 250
Mg 0.1 12 11 12 15 15 5.6 200
Al 0.2 3300 1900 7400 390 3400 2400 6500
Si 0.4 110 60 54 74 30 84 37
P 0.2 400 5.2 2.5 2.3 44 6.1 3.2
K 1 120 33 11 14 7.5 5.3 53
Ca 1 61 52 56 58 110 32 330
Sc 0.01 0.048 0.098 0.21 0.028 0.016 0.097 0.31
Ti 0.02 180 190 120 57 93 150 98
V 0.1 0.76 0.87 0.68 <DL 0.61 0.39 0.44
Cr 0.04 1.2 0.43 1.7 0.31 0.67 1.3 3.1
Mn 0.01 0.55 0.26 2.9 0.25 0.11 1.3 2.1
Fe 1 32 13 250 6.9 8.0 68 70
Co 0.01 0.48 0.052 0.027 <DL 0.036 0.033 0.080
Ni 0.02 1.5 1.4 2.2 0.75 1.6 1.7 3.0
Cu 0.02 19000 20000 5300 12000 1800 16000 7200
Zn 0.2 2.9 1.4 1.7 2.9 3.0 3.9 2.3
Ga 0.01 0.62 0.27 0.82 0.067 0.42 0.26 0.87
As 0.04 0.35 0.049 <DL 0.095 <DL 0.042 0.17
Se 0.04 0.75 0.12 0.12 0.15 <DL 0.16 0.63
Rb 0.01 0.027 0.016 0.014 0.012 0.011 <DL 0.13
Sr 0.01 0.39 0.36 0.59 0.50 0.62 0.29 1.0
Y 0.01 0.14 0.077 0.023 <DL <DL <DL 0.10
Zr 0.01 2.3 680 1400 0.17 2.2 650 1501
Nb 0.01 0.18 <DL 0.012 <DL 0.043 <DL 0.012
Mo 0.01 0.13 2.4 0.028 0.047 0.016 1.1 0.016
Pd 0.01 0.043 5.3 <DL <DL <DL 5.0 10
Ag 0.01 0.026 0.14 11 0.018 0.017 0.16 0.23
Cd 0.01 0.011 0.018 0.24 0.023 0.015 0.058 0.022
Sn 0.04 <DL 0.14 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.065
Cs 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.073 <DL <DL <DL
Ba 0.01 1.4 1.69 10 0.22 1.3 0.58 2.3
La 0.01 0.014 <DL 0.015 <DL 0.011 <DL 0.051
Ce 0.01 0.026 0.012 0.027 <DL 0.011 <DL 0.096
Pr 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013
Nd 0.01 <DL <DL 0.009 <DL <DL <DL 0.052
Gd 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.011
Dy 0.01 0.014 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Er 0.01 0.020 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL

141
 Colour no.
Element DL Blue Blue Pale Blue Pale Blue Blue
blue blue
8 15 25 32 38 45 62
Yb 0.01 0.032 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Hf 0.01 0.028 10.0 21 <DL 0.025 8.2 23
Ta 0.01 0.013 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Pt 0.01 <DL 0.090 0.18 <DL <DL 0.079 0.17
Au 0.01 <DL 0.015 0.026 <DL <DL 0.012 0.023
Hg 0.04 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.038 <DL
Pb 0.01 5.7 0.052 0.079 0.067 1.7 0.099 0.083
Th 0.01 0.10 <DL 0.017 <DL 0.094 <DL 0.17

Be, Ru, In, Sb, Te, Sm, Eu, Tb, Ho, Tm, Lu, W, Os, Ir, Tl, Bi and U were
not demonstrated in the blue tattoo inks.

142
Table 5 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for green tattoo inks, µg/g
Element DL Colour no.
Pale Green Green Pale Pale Green Green Pale Green
green green green green
6 7 13 16 26 31 41 44 60
Li 0.04 0.061 0.076 <DL 0.39 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.10
B 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 2.5 4.5 <DL
Na 1 620 280 150 150 300 60 650 180 430
Mg 0.1 15 130 64 22 58 7.2 20 29 95
Al 0.2 6100 1700 140 380 1300 17 1100 99 2500
Si 0.4 26 120 16 150 120 18 50 73 120
P 0.2 650 300 1.2 2.2 3.9 7.6 24 2.4 5.2
K 1 230 73 28 34 32 17 44 26 19
Ca 1 55 330 140 78 2900 360 92 83 110
Sc 0.01 0.022 0.060 0.016 0.11 0.084 0 0.023 0.040 0.19
Ti 0.02 240 81 1.01 5.2 72 12 45 2.2 120
V 0.1 1.0 0.66 0.080 0.23 0.70 <DL 0.33 <DL 0.28
Cr 0.04 0.35 1.3 2.01 0.84 12 <DL 0.56 4.2 0.77
Mn 0.01 0.24 1.4 1.3 0.23 1.5 0.089 1.4 1.9 1.7
Fe 1 4.7 66 28 29 67 6.1 13 86 57
Co 0.01 0.0088 0.28 0.036 0.13 0.16 <DL 0.53 3.6 0.021
Ni 0.02 0.89 0.87 1.6 0.49 1.2 0.043 0.50 1.2 0.65
Cu 0.02 2100 12000 17000 1500 5300 16 2600 10000 1.1
Zn 0.2 3.9 3.2 2.04 1.05 3.1 8.8 14 4.3 3.8
Ga 0.01 0.97 0.35 0.051 0.17 0.14 <DL 0.20 0.038 0.34
As 0.04 0.29 0.36 0.22 0.17 0.11 0.054 0.098 0.12 0.072
Se 0.04 0.66 0.92 0.70 0.54 0.26 0.12 0.18 0.33 0.17
Rb 0.01 0.042 0.10 0.010 0.032 0.069 <DL 0.024 0.014 0.078
Sr 0.01 0.36 0.65 1.8 0.75 11 0.54 0.50 0.45 0.58
Y 0.01 0.23 0.11 0.026 0.022 0.028 <DL <DL 0.083 0.056
Zr 0.01 1.5 3.4 12 4.6 300 0.96 0.78 28 660
Nb 0.01 0.18 0.065 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.014 0.015 <DL
Mo 0.01 <DL 0.14 0.85 0.082 <DL 0.015 <DL 2.2 <DL
Pd 0.01 <DL 0.060 0.24 <DL 0.033 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ag 0.01 <DL 0.016 0.012 <DL 0.064 <DL 0.026 0.023 0.11
Cd 0.01 0.022 0.033 0.023 <DL 0.057 0.020 <DL 0.088 0.015
Sn 0.04 <DL <DL 0.68 0.040 <DL <DL <DL 1.1 1.1
Sb 0.01 <DL <DL 0.011 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.011 <DL
Ba 0.01 1.2 2.1 300 0.55 480 0.61 1.2 0.81 0.69
La 0.01 0.016 0.038 <DL 0.10 0.016 <DL <DL 0.013 0.039
Ce 0.01 0.028 0.075 <DL 0.20 0.047 <DL 0.025 0.15 0.065
Pr 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.018 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Nd 0.01 <DL 0.035 <DL 0.052 0.012 <DL <DL <DL 0.029
Eu 0.01 <DL <DL 0.023 <DL 0.033 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Dy 0.01 0.017 0.010 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Ho 0.01 <DL 0.000 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL

143
Element DL Colour no.
Pale Green Green Pale Pale Green Green Pale Green
green green green green
6 7 13 16 26 31 41 44 60
Er 0.01 0.024 0.012 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Tm 0.01 <DL 0.000 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Yb 0.01 0.043 0.017 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.012 <DL
Lu 0.01 0.010 0.000 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Hf 0.01 0.016 0.033 0.19 0.066 4.5 <DL <DL 0.38 9.3
Ta 0.01 0.013 <DL <DL 0.016 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
W 0.01 <DL <DL 0.009 0.022 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Pt 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.043 <DL <DL <DL 0.069
Pb 0.01 9.3 3.2 0.28 0.19 0.29 0.11 0.64 0.93 0.085
Bi 0.01 <DL 0.096 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
Th 0.01 0.15 0.088 0.023 0.17 0.025 <DL 0.041 0.023 0.13
U 0.04 <DL 0.053 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL

Be, Ru, In, Te, Cs, Gd, Tb, Os, Ir, Au, Hg, Tl and Sm were not
demonstrated in the green tattoo inks.

144
Table 6 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for yellow tattoo inks, µg/g
Element DL Colour no.
Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow
9 19 27 36 * 40 47 61
Li 0.04 <DL 0.67 <DL <DL <DL 0.28 0.070
B 1 <DL <DL <DL <DL 1.4 0.73 <DL
Na 1 52 120 140 120 1100 71 130
Mg 0.1 5.8 19 32 9.8 36 10 479
Al 0.2 2.3 1000 1400 960 1600 420 774
Si 0.4 8.5 240 1100 110 53 220 130
P 0.2 3.9 0.93 160 2.7 32 2.5 4.5
K 1 26 28 32 19 6.2 22 39
Ca 1 27 71 3800 43 180 46 2200
Sc 0.01 0.016 0.13 0.090 0.084 0.018 0.12 0.069
Ti 0.02 0.16 12 130 78 34 9.1 76
V 0.1 <DL 0.36 0.58 0.35 0.36 0.18 0.26
Cr 0.04 <DL 0.79 5.9 0.33 0.34 0.72 0.37
Mn 0.01 0.043 0.20 0.75 0.12 0.13 0.091 0.43
Fe 1 2.8 31 43 4.2 1.2 11 27
Co 0.01 <DL 0.058 0.024 <DL <DL 0.025 0.033
Ni 0.02 0.025 0.29 0.51 0.27 0.11 0.15 0.26
Cu 0.02 0.46 0.36 7.8 1.2 0.45 13 0.79
Zn 0.2 2.4 1.9 5.3 2.1 1.2 0.76 1.9
Ga 0.01 <DL 0.32 0.12 0.10 0.19 0.14 0.111
As 0.04 <DL 0.069 0.19 0.083 0.042 0.11 <DL
Se 0.04 <DL 0.19 0.52 0.24 0.075 0.39 0.052
Rb 0.01 0.013 0.041 0.082 0.012 <DL 0.027 <DL
Sr 0.01 0.11 0.67 11 0.28 0.93 0.38 20
Y 0.01 <DL 0.023 0.028 <DL <DL <DL 0.065
Zr 0.01 0.12 0.89 240 240 0.81 1.6 190
Nb 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.027 <DL <DL
Mo 0.01 <DL 0.015 <DL <DL <DL 0.052 <DL
Pd 0.01 <DL <DL 0.013 <DL <DL <DL 0.015
Ag 0.01 <DL <DL 0.050 0.048 <DL <DL 0.034
Cd 0.01 0.022 0.043 0.020 <DL <DL <DL 0.038
Sn 0.04 <DL <DL <DL 0.87 <DL <DL 0.16
Ba 0.01 0.21 0.68 430 0.33 1.5 0.26 1800
La 0.01 0.094 0.20 0.016 <DL <DL 0.071 0.043
Ce 0.01 <DL 0.36 0.040 <DL 0.020 0.14 0.063
Pr 0.01 <DL 0.038 <DL <DL <DL 0.014 <DL
Nd 0.01 <DL 0.10 <DL <DL <DL 0.043 0.030
Sm 0.01 <DL 0.016 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013
Eu 0.01 <DL <DL 0.035 <DL <DL <DL 0.12
Hf 0.01 <DL 0.012 3.6 3.1 <DL 0.019 3.0
Pt 0.01 <DL <DL 0.034 0.044 <DL <DL 0.022

145
Element DL Colour no.
Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow
9 19 27 36 * 40 47 61
Pb 0.01 0.034 0.25 0.34 0.019 0.80 0.099 0.80
Th 0.01 <DL 0.31 0.023 <DL 0.048 0.15 0.058
* indicates tattoo inks that are registered in connection with skin reactions

Be, In, Ru, Sb, Te, Cs, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ta, W, Os, Ir, Au,
Hg, Tl, Bi and U were not demonstrated in the yelloe tattoo inks.

146
Table 7 Result of ICP/MS screening analysis for white tattoo inks, µg/g
Element DL Colour no.
White White White White White
4 14 22 46 59
Li 0.04 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.12
B 1 3.7 <DL <DL 1.7 <DL
Na 1 650 78 110 110 430
Mg 0.1 8.2 8.6 9.2 9.5 310
Al 0.2 6800 5200 7800 11000 9000
Si 0.4 100 30 100 33 21
P 0.2 710 1.5 <DL <DL 2.0
K 1 240 11 14 12 21
Ca 1 48 53 48 62 280
Sc 0.01 0.058 0.22 0.22 0.37 0.54
Ti 0.02 960 130 140 460 330
V 0.1 1.3 0.50 0.46 0.66 0.82
Cr 0.04 0.25 0.17 0.13 0.24 0.71
Mn 0.01 0.16 0.37 0.36 1.5 2.3
Fe 1 9.3 3.6 3.8 3.7 51
Co 0.01 <DL 0.011 <DL 0.019 0.04
Ni 0.02 0.83 1.5 1.5 3.8 1.9
Cu 0.02 1.3 12 0.27 6.3 0.52
Zn 0.2 6.4 1.7 1.9 3.0 3.0
Ga 0.01 1.04 0.61 0.71 0.99 1.1
As 0.04 0.24 <DL <DL <DL 0.17
Se 0.04 0.26 0.035 0.044 0.053 0.50
Rb 0.01 0.043 0.015 0.018 0.024 0.20
Sr 0.01 0.35 0.39 0.32 0.43 0.80
Y 0.01 0.26 0.026 0.023 0.034 0.12
Zr 0.01 20 1700 1300 2800 2300
Nb 0.01 0.80 0.012 0.011 0.02 0.025
Mo 0.01 <DL 0.012 <DL 0.015 0.015
Pd 0.01 0.19 0.017 10 21 17
Ag 0.01 0.019 0.29 0.21 0.51 0.40
Cd 0.01 <DL 0.095 0.019 0.028 0.072
Sn 0.04 <DL 0.036 <DL <DL <DL
Cs 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.013
Ba 0.01 1.3 0.78 0.52 0.53 1.0
La 0.01 0.023 0.012 0.017 0.022 0.089
Ce 0.01 0.034 0.019 0.025 0.029 0.16
Pr 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.022
Nd 0.01 <DL <DL <DL 0.012 0.088
Sm 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.016
Gd 0.01 <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.016
Dy 0.01 0.020 <DL <DL <DL 0.015

147
Element DL Colour no.
White White White White White
4 14 22 46 59
Er 0.01 0.026 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Yb 0.01 0.041 <DL <DL <DL <DL
Hf 0.01 0.28 21 17 28 38
Ta 0.01 0.044 <DL 0.012 <DL <DL
Pt 0.01 <DL 0.21 0.16 0.30 0.25
Au 0.01 <DL 0.032 0.022 0.045 0.035
Pb 0.01 10 0.054 0.049 0.087 0.099
Th 0.01 0.24 0.013 0.022 0.030 0.21

Be, Ru, In, Sb, Te, Eu, Tb, Ho, Tm, Lu, W, Os, Ir, Hg, Tl, Bi and U were
not demonstrated in the white tattoo inks.

148
 Enclosure D
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