At least 100 different chemicals classified as carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic to humans have been detected in tattoo inks, according to rp.pl. These include lead, arsenic, and coal tar distillates, all of which are known to be cancer-causing.
The Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate is currently inspecting tattoo parlors, and last year, 35 out of 856 establishments were found to have various irregularities, including poor hygiene and technical issues.
The Inspectorate also emphasizes the importance of proper labeling for tattoo inks and urges customers to report any use of non-compliant products.
Additionally, "Rzeczpospolita" cites Swedish studies showing that people with tattoos have about 21% higher risk of developing malignant lymphoma, with even greater risks for two other blood cancers.
Tattooing may lead to lymphoma
The results of studies published in the prestigious journal „The Lancet” suggest that people with tattoos are at a greater risk of lymphoma compared to those without tattoos.
In the study population of 11,905 individuals, the prevalence of tattoos was 21% among those diagnosed with lymphoma, compared to 18% in the control group. People with tattoos had a 21% higher overall risk of developing lymphoma.
The risk was highest among those who had their tattoo for less than two years before the diagnosis year (an 81% increased risk), decreased with intermediate exposure duration (three to ten years), but increased again in individuals who had their first tattoo 11 or more years before the diagnosis year.
Interestingly, no increased risk was observed based on a larger tattooed body surface area. The highest risks associated with tattooing were for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (30% increased risk) and follicular lymphoma (29% increased risk).
Source: IAR/”Rzeczpospolita”/Lund University/”The Lancet”
(m p)