






























See Also
See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 31 Fotos
Tattoo vs. taboo
- No longer confined to rock stars and rebellious teens, tattoos are now seen across all demographics, reflecting a broader cultural acceptance of individuality and personal expression.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Breaking barriers
- For centuries, tattooing was a revered form of artistic expression within Indigenous and Eastern cultures. Today, this ancient art form has transcended geographical boundaries, proving its enduring power as a means of self-expression across the globe.
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
Forever close
- Many individuals choose tattoos as a lasting tribute to loved ones who have passed away. For some, this tribute may even involve incorporating a loved one's ashes directly into their tattoo ink!
© Getty Images
3 / 31 Fotos
Permanent reminder
- Others opt for tattoos as a poignant reminder of significant milestones or pivotal moments in their lives, like the proud athletes who sport Olympic tattoos.
© Getty Images
4 / 31 Fotos
Cosmetic tattoos
- Tattooing has also infiltrated the realm of cosmetics. Modern techniques, closely resembling traditional tattooing methods, are employed to achieve long-lasting results in procedures like permanent makeup, blurring the lines between body art and beauty enhancement.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Safety concerns
- The surge in popularity of tattooing has inevitably sparked ongoing debates about the safety and potential risks associated with introducing foreign substances into the body.
© Getty Images
6 / 31 Fotos
Health implications
- Concerns regarding the long-term health implications of ink pigments and the potential for infections remain a subject of ongoing discussion.
© Getty Images
7 / 31 Fotos
Bottled danger
- A recent study by the FDA has raised significant concerns about the safety of tattoo and permanent makeup inks.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Contaminated
- The study found that even sealed bottles of these inks, some labeled sterile, were contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.
© Getty Images
9 / 31 Fotos
Infection risks - Since tattoo ink is injected deep into the skin, creating an environment where certain bacteria can flourish, contaminated inks pose a significant risk of "infections and serious injuries," warns Linda Katz, director of the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, and co-author of the study.
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
Spreading through
- Katz warns that harmful bacteria or other contaminants within these inks can migrate from the tattoo site through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, potentially reaching other parts of the body.
© Getty Images
11 / 31 Fotos
Potentially deadly
- In cases of systemic infection, these bacteria can cause life-threatening conditions such as endocarditis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the heart lining.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Potentially deadly
- According to Katz, in severe cases the infection can escalate to septic shock, when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation and potential organ failure.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Potentially deadly
- Sepsis can rapidly progress, causing significant damage to tissues and organs, and ultimately leading to death if not promptly treated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
Higher risks
- Since larger tattoos increase the surface area exposed to potentially harmful microorganisms, people with multiple or large tattoos may face a higher risk of complications from contaminated ink, explains Katz.
© Getty Images
15 / 31 Fotos
Higher risks
- While both tattooing and permanent makeup procedures carry inherent risks when contaminated inks are used, permanent makeup applied in the eye area carries a higher risk due to the increased chance of microbes entering the eye and causing infection, warns Katz.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Samples
- The FDA study analyzed 75 samples of sealed tattoo and permanent makeup inks from 14 different manufacturers within the United States.
© Getty Images
17 / 31 Fotos
Levels of bacteria
- The study revealed that 35% of the tested samples, from 10 different manufacturers, showed the presence of bacteria. While most samples exhibited relatively low bacterial counts, some contained alarmingly high levels, reaching up to 100,000 bacteria per gram.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
Levels of bacteria
- Previous FDA research revealed a concerning level of contamination in tattoo and permanent makeup inks. In fact, 35% of unopened and sealed ink samples from US manufacturers were found to contain bacterial counts as high as 100 million per gram.
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
No tolerance
- The acceptable level of bacterial contamination in substances intended for injection or contact with broken skin "should be zero," emphasizes Robert Schooley, a renowned infectious disease expert and distinguished professor at the University of California, San Diego.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Other dangers
- Schooley also highlights another critical concern: tattooing has been linked to the transmission of serious viral infections, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV.
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
Other dangers - While the FDA study focused solely on bacterial contamination, the high rate of bacterial contamination found in these inks raises serious concerns about the potential presence of other harmful microorganisms, including viruses and fungi, warns Schooley.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Not surprising
- The FDA study's findings, while alarming, are unfortunately not entirely unexpected, this according to John Swierk, assistant professor of chemistry at Binghamton University.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Industry-standard method
- A major contributing factor to this issue is the lack of a standardized sterilization method for these products, explains Swierk. "Our work and the current study really highlight the need for good, standardized manufacturing processes across the tattoo ink industry,” he emphasizes.
© Getty Images
24 / 31 Fotos
Collaboration
- Selina Medina, director of research at the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, emphasizes that tattoo artists and industry professionals are actively collaborating with regulatory agencies to ensure strict adherence to safety standards.
© Getty Images
25 / 31 Fotos
Safety measures
- According to Medina, many artists and studios proactively address ink safety. Before using new ink batches, some artists conduct their own testing or require proof of testing from suppliers, which often includes microbial testing to identify potential contamination, she explains.
© Getty Images
26 / 31 Fotos
Safety measures
- To further minimize risks, many tattoo artists utilize autoclaves to sterilize inks before application. An autoclave is a specialized machine that uses high-pressure steam to effectively eliminate bacteria.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Watch out
- Proper ink handling is crucial for maintaining tattoo safety, emphasizes Medina. Using the same gloves to touch both the client and the ink bottle poses a significant contamination risk.
© Getty Images
28 / 31 Fotos
Watch out
- Artists must ensure ink bottles are tightly sealed when not in use and stored in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
Under development
- The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) is expected to usher in a new era of safety regulations for tattoo inks in the US, with a phased implementation anticipated over the next few years. This aligns with the FDA's June 2023 draft guidance for the tattoo industry, which outlines crucial quality control measures for manufacturers, including sterilization. See also: Viruses and bacteria—the deadly yet fascinating microorganisms
Sources: (CNN)
© Getty Images
30 / 31 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 31 Fotos
Tattoo vs. taboo
- No longer confined to rock stars and rebellious teens, tattoos are now seen across all demographics, reflecting a broader cultural acceptance of individuality and personal expression.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Breaking barriers
- For centuries, tattooing was a revered form of artistic expression within Indigenous and Eastern cultures. Today, this ancient art form has transcended geographical boundaries, proving its enduring power as a means of self-expression across the globe.
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
Forever close
- Many individuals choose tattoos as a lasting tribute to loved ones who have passed away. For some, this tribute may even involve incorporating a loved one's ashes directly into their tattoo ink!
© Getty Images
3 / 31 Fotos
Permanent reminder
- Others opt for tattoos as a poignant reminder of significant milestones or pivotal moments in their lives, like the proud athletes who sport Olympic tattoos.
© Getty Images
4 / 31 Fotos
Cosmetic tattoos
- Tattooing has also infiltrated the realm of cosmetics. Modern techniques, closely resembling traditional tattooing methods, are employed to achieve long-lasting results in procedures like permanent makeup, blurring the lines between body art and beauty enhancement.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Safety concerns
- The surge in popularity of tattooing has inevitably sparked ongoing debates about the safety and potential risks associated with introducing foreign substances into the body.
© Getty Images
6 / 31 Fotos
Health implications
- Concerns regarding the long-term health implications of ink pigments and the potential for infections remain a subject of ongoing discussion.
© Getty Images
7 / 31 Fotos
Bottled danger
- A recent study by the FDA has raised significant concerns about the safety of tattoo and permanent makeup inks.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Contaminated
- The study found that even sealed bottles of these inks, some labeled sterile, were contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.
© Getty Images
9 / 31 Fotos
Infection risks - Since tattoo ink is injected deep into the skin, creating an environment where certain bacteria can flourish, contaminated inks pose a significant risk of "infections and serious injuries," warns Linda Katz, director of the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, and co-author of the study.
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
Spreading through
- Katz warns that harmful bacteria or other contaminants within these inks can migrate from the tattoo site through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, potentially reaching other parts of the body.
© Getty Images
11 / 31 Fotos
Potentially deadly
- In cases of systemic infection, these bacteria can cause life-threatening conditions such as endocarditis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the heart lining.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Potentially deadly
- According to Katz, in severe cases the infection can escalate to septic shock, when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation and potential organ failure.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Potentially deadly
- Sepsis can rapidly progress, causing significant damage to tissues and organs, and ultimately leading to death if not promptly treated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
Higher risks
- Since larger tattoos increase the surface area exposed to potentially harmful microorganisms, people with multiple or large tattoos may face a higher risk of complications from contaminated ink, explains Katz.
© Getty Images
15 / 31 Fotos
Higher risks
- While both tattooing and permanent makeup procedures carry inherent risks when contaminated inks are used, permanent makeup applied in the eye area carries a higher risk due to the increased chance of microbes entering the eye and causing infection, warns Katz.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Samples
- The FDA study analyzed 75 samples of sealed tattoo and permanent makeup inks from 14 different manufacturers within the United States.
© Getty Images
17 / 31 Fotos
Levels of bacteria
- The study revealed that 35% of the tested samples, from 10 different manufacturers, showed the presence of bacteria. While most samples exhibited relatively low bacterial counts, some contained alarmingly high levels, reaching up to 100,000 bacteria per gram.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
Levels of bacteria
- Previous FDA research revealed a concerning level of contamination in tattoo and permanent makeup inks. In fact, 35% of unopened and sealed ink samples from US manufacturers were found to contain bacterial counts as high as 100 million per gram.
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
No tolerance
- The acceptable level of bacterial contamination in substances intended for injection or contact with broken skin "should be zero," emphasizes Robert Schooley, a renowned infectious disease expert and distinguished professor at the University of California, San Diego.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Other dangers
- Schooley also highlights another critical concern: tattooing has been linked to the transmission of serious viral infections, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV.
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
Other dangers - While the FDA study focused solely on bacterial contamination, the high rate of bacterial contamination found in these inks raises serious concerns about the potential presence of other harmful microorganisms, including viruses and fungi, warns Schooley.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Not surprising
- The FDA study's findings, while alarming, are unfortunately not entirely unexpected, this according to John Swierk, assistant professor of chemistry at Binghamton University.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Industry-standard method
- A major contributing factor to this issue is the lack of a standardized sterilization method for these products, explains Swierk. "Our work and the current study really highlight the need for good, standardized manufacturing processes across the tattoo ink industry,” he emphasizes.
© Getty Images
24 / 31 Fotos
Collaboration
- Selina Medina, director of research at the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, emphasizes that tattoo artists and industry professionals are actively collaborating with regulatory agencies to ensure strict adherence to safety standards.
© Getty Images
25 / 31 Fotos
Safety measures
- According to Medina, many artists and studios proactively address ink safety. Before using new ink batches, some artists conduct their own testing or require proof of testing from suppliers, which often includes microbial testing to identify potential contamination, she explains.
© Getty Images
26 / 31 Fotos
Safety measures
- To further minimize risks, many tattoo artists utilize autoclaves to sterilize inks before application. An autoclave is a specialized machine that uses high-pressure steam to effectively eliminate bacteria.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Watch out
- Proper ink handling is crucial for maintaining tattoo safety, emphasizes Medina. Using the same gloves to touch both the client and the ink bottle poses a significant contamination risk.
© Getty Images
28 / 31 Fotos
Watch out
- Artists must ensure ink bottles are tightly sealed when not in use and stored in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
Under development
- The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) is expected to usher in a new era of safety regulations for tattoo inks in the US, with a phased implementation anticipated over the next few years. This aligns with the FDA's June 2023 draft guidance for the tattoo industry, which outlines crucial quality control measures for manufacturers, including sterilization. See also: Viruses and bacteria—the deadly yet fascinating microorganisms
Sources: (CNN)
© Getty Images
30 / 31 Fotos
FDA warns: bacteria in tattoo ink can lead to severe health risks
Recent study highlights potential health hazards associated with tattoos
© Getty Images
From delicate wristbands to full-sleeve masterpieces, tattoos have become almost as ubiquitous as social media. However, beneath the vibrant hues lies the potential for serious health risks, including infection and even life-threatening complications. Indeed, a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) study has shed light on alarming levels of bacteria found in some tattoo inks, raising serious concerns for those considering getting a tattoo (not to mention those who have already gotten inked!).
Curious? Click through this gallery to explore the potential dangers, plus learn how to choose a safe and reputable tattoo artist and get inked safely!
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU




































MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week