Tattoo Ink Chemicals That Pose Cancer Threat Banned In Europe

The European Chemicals Agency noted that ink pigments (of tattoo) can seep into the body from the skin, affecting organs such as lymph nodes and the liver.

An European Union ban on tattoo ink and permanent make-up containing chemicals feared to cause cancers or other health risks went into effect on Tuesday, officials said.

The prohibition covers hazardous substances such as certain azo dyes, carcinogenic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals and methanol.

"The restriction covers carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances, chemicals prohibited in cosmetics, skin sensitisers, skin and eye irritants, metal impurities, aromatic amines and some pigments," the European Commission said.

"The protection of public health of European citizens is our primary concern, and hazardous chemicals in tattoo ink can represent such a concern," a commission spokeswoman, Sonya Gospodinova, told journalists.