The aim of the study is to determine the concentration of some heavy metals in some
imported tattoo inks (black and colored).
Sold in Homs, Tartous, Ybroud and DeirAtieh, and assess whether tattoo inks comply with
maximum concentrations of heavy m
etals in the EPA’s guid line -2012 and find out the
relation of colours by Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr contents.
18 Samples of tattoo inks purchased from different sources.
5 Samples black, 4 samples green, 5 samples red, 2 samples brown,1 sample white and 1
sample oily.
This samples reveals that the concentration of heavy metals previously mentioned very
high and varies depending on the source of the tattoo ink.
These concentrations above the maximum limits according to the EPA’s-2012 quid line.
This study reveals also that the type of pigment used in tattoo inks contributes to its heavy
metal content.
The use of tattoo inks could result increase in the heavy metal level in human body which
could lead to health problems.
