How hidden toxins in your tattoos can migrate to your lymph nodes
Microscopic particles of metals, preservatives and toxins in tattoo ink have been shown to move in the body and nano particles end up in the lymph nodes, that play a major role in the human immune system
If you don’t have a tattoo yourself, you probably know dozens of people who do. New research suggests they may not be as harmless as body art fanatics believe them to be.
Microscopic particles from tattoo ink can migrate into the body and wind up in lymph nodes, crucial hubs of the human immune system, according to a study.
‘Respect the art’: Hong Kong tattoo convention hopes to break stigma about body ink
The nano particles – measuring a few micrometres down to nanometres – include molecules from preservatives and contaminants such as nickel, chromium, manganese and cobalt, researchers reported in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports.
Tattoo inks are composed of various organic and inorganic pigments, and can be contaminated with toxic impurities.
Besides carbon black, the second most common ingredient used in tattoo inks is titanium dioxide, a white pigment also used in food additives, sunscreens and paints.