New York: More than 90 percent of people who get tattoos in the US are unintentionally exposed to chemicals that have the potential to damage their organs, a new study has found.
In the study, published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, scientists obtained lighting samples from nine local companies in the US. In 54 lighting samples obtained from New York, 45 compounds were found that were not included in the details on the label.
The most common of these compounds was polyethylene glycol, which has been linked to organ damage, including complications of kidney cell death.
Other chemicals include 2-phenoxyethanol, which has been linked to neurological disorders in children.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is preparing to implement regulations regarding lighting used for tattoos in the coming months. The FDA was previously authorized to implement the regulations after a vote in Congress in late 2022.
Lawmakers decided to adopt the policy after several reports of illnesses caused by contaminated materials in tattoos.
The agency has so far received comments on the matter and the agency is now preparing to bring these items into the regulations.
According to the survey, about one-third of Americans have tattoos on their bodies, and half of those between the ages of 30 and 49 have tattoos on their bodies.