Tattooing - hazardous chemicals - an underestimated health risk
Issue: 4/2025
Recevied: April 30, 2025
Accepted: October 12, 2025
Published: October 15, 2025
Authors:
J. Chmielewski, I. Żeber-Dzikowska, B. Wójtowicz, E. Dziewięcka, A. Wilczkowska, I. Miracka
Categories: Review paper, Medicine and veterinary
DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2025.30.2.3568
Abstract:
The observed increase in the number of people deciding to have a tattoo has caused skin pigmentation treatments to become increasingly popular. It is widely known that tattoo inks remain in the skin for a lifetime. It is also a known fact that chemicals used in tattoo pigments can remain in the body for a long time, which results in a significant long-term risk of harmful ingredients being placed in the body. Tattoo dyes contain various substances and their main decomposition components can cause health risks and undesirable side effects. Objective of the study: The objective of this study is to present, analyse and identify the causes of the most common complications after tattooing procedures based on the available literature as well as to draw attention to the necessity of changing the regulations concerning the use of tattoo ink and its manufacturers to ensure that tattooing does not cause adverse systemic effects. Research methods: Epidemiological studies demonstrating adverse health effects have been reviewed. Bibliometrics from the period 2020-2024 have been applied in this review. The literature was searched through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The bibliographic data has been analyzed using selected subject classification entries as a criterion. Results: All skin pigmentation procedures, whether they are decorative tattoos or permanent make-up, carry a risk of complications. Therefore, ink compositions should be strictly regulated. Conclusions: The complexity of tattoo ink compounds includes organic dyes, metals and solvents that may have dangerous effects on the human body. Further scientific research on the issue of tattooing should be conducted. There is a need to investigate the unknown long-term side effects of various inks and dyes is important in terms of wider public health. Activities within the scope of legal regulations concerning production dyes, which are essential elements of tattooing, should be undertaken.
Citation:
JELEM / HARVARD
Chmielewski, J., Żeber-Dzikowska, I., Wójtowicz, B., Dziewięcka, E., Wilczkowska, A. and Miracka, I. (2025) 'Tattooing - hazardous chemicals - an underestimated health risk', Journal of Elementology, 30(4), , available: https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.2.3568
MDPI
Chmielewski, J.; Żeber-Dzikowska, I.; Wójtowicz, B.; Dziewięcka, E.; Wilczkowska, A.; Miracka, I. Tattooing - hazardous chemicals - an underestimated health risk. J. Elem. 2025, 30, 4, . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.2.3568
AMA
Chmielewski J, Żeber-Dzikowska I, Wójtowicz B, Dziewięcka E, Wilczkowska A, Miracka I. Tattooing - hazardous chemicals - an underestimated health risk. J. Elem. 2025;30(4): . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.2.3568
CHICAGO
Chmielewski Jarosław, Żeber-Dzikowska Ilona, Wójtowicz Bożena, Dziewięcka Edyta, Wilczkowska Anna, Miracka Izabela. 2025. "Tattooing - hazardous chemicals - an underestimated health risk" J. Elem. 30, no.4: . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.2.3568
Keywords:
tattoo, heavy metals, health, complications, adverse effects
About issue:
30.4.2025
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