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New Delhi: Tattoos are often seen as harmless, personal expressions of identity. But scientists are increasingly examining what happens after the ink settles beneath the skin. New research suggests that tattoo pigments do more than simply sit in place—they interact with the body in ways that are only now coming into focus.
Dr Manal Mohammed, a medical microbiology lecturer at the University of Westminster, says tattoo ink doesn’t simply remain fixed in the skin. Once injected, pigments trigger an immune response, and the body treats them as foreign material. Immune cells attempt to remove the particles, but because the pigments are too large, they become trapped in the skin, which is why tattoos are generally considered permanent.
The inks themselves are complex chemical mixtures. Many pigments currently used were originally designed for industrial purposes, such as car paint, plastics, and printer toner, rather than for use in the human body. Some inks contain trace amounts of heavy metals, including nickel, chromium, and cobalt, which are known to cause allergic reactions and sensitivity in some individuals. In rare cases, lead has also been detected.
Black inks, often made from carbon-based compounds, can contain substances linked to cancer, while brightly coloured inks—especially reds, yellows and oranges—are more frequently associated with chronic inflammation and allergic reactions.
Scientists have also found that tattoo pigments can move beyond the skin. Tiny particles can travel through the lymphatic system and accumulate in lymph nodes, which play a key role in immune defence. Experts say that the long-term health implications are still unclear; however, prolonged exposure to organic chemicals and metals raises questions that require further investigation.
What are the risks involved with getting tattoos?
Some studies suggest that people with tattoos are at a higher risk of certain forms of cancer, such as skin cancer and lymphoma, but the results are not conclusive. Infections continue to be a concern, especially when standards are poor. Surveys show that some people experience burning or swelling after getting a tattoo. While being a powerful form of self-expression, tattoos represent lifelong chemical exposure, which can be risky at times.
