Assessment of toxic metals and hazardous substances in tattoo inks using Sy-XRF, AAS and Raman spectroscopy

Abstract: A set of tattoo inks from a top brand was analysed by means of Synchrotron-based X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (Sy-XRF), Atomic Absorption spectrometry (AAS) and Raman Spectroscopy to investigate the presence of toxic metals and hazardous substances. Quantitative analysis shows that Cr, Cu and Pb content is above the maximum allowed levels established by the Council of Europe in the resolution ResAP(2008)1 on requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and permanent make-up. Raman analysis reveals the presence of pigments Blue 15, Green 7 and Violet 23 in blue, green and violet inks that belong to a list of prohibited substances mentioned in ResAP(2008)1. Besides, Pigment White 6, carbon black, Pigment Red 8 and a diazo yellow were also identified in white, black, red and yellow inks. The results presented in this study show the importance of regulating tattoo ink composition.