Several common tattoo inks sold and used in Europe contain pigments banned under the region’s chemicals regulatory framework, according to new analysis out of John Swierk’s research group at Binghamton University in the US. His team is urging the industry to develop improved and standardised manufacturing protocols.

Specifically, the chemists investigated five green and five blue tattoo inks from five separate manufacturers that are distributed in Europe and  marketed as being Reach (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) compliant. Reach not only forbids certain pigments but also mandates that all tattoo ink labels provide an accurate ingredient list with relevant hazard warnings.