Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said tattoo ink could be contaminated, which introduces the skin with potential entry of many microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. |Picture source: Hindu
Karnataka health department will soon write to the United Health Ministry for statutes to designate tattoo procedures, including regulations for issuing permits to tattoo artists and tattoo studios.
When the announcement was made at a press conference on Friday (February 28, 2025), State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that tattoos are not currently covered under any rules/regulations. He said tattoo ink can be contaminated, which introduces the skin with potential entry of many microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Mr Gundu Rao said he had asked the Food Safety Specialist to write to the Centre in this regard and urged the tattoo regulations. “He is working hard and the letter will be sent within a day or two,” the minister said.
“The sale of tattoo ink should be prohibited until the Bureau of Standards of India (BIS) standards and guidelines framework,” he said.
Heavy metals, residual solvents
The minister said the recent analysis of tests of eight tattoo ink samples collected from Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration officials from across the state showed that the results were shocking. The report shows that the tattoo ink samples tested positive for about 22 metals (selenium, chromium, platinum, arsenic, etc.) and residual solvents.
Random samples from different manufacturers and needles were informally collected in eight different colors and tested, a senior official said. “While there are no guidelines on permissible restrictions, testing shows that high levels of heavy metals and residual solvents are present in the product, which is harmful,” the official said.
The source said that there is no suitable method to test the infertility of tattoo ink because the product is colored, and the source said the needle has been tested against the infertility needle and is awaiting reports. “A container of tattoo ink is used for many customers, so it cannot maintain sterility. Also, the environment in a tattoo studio is not sterile,” he said.
“Based on test reports and unhygienic practices employed in most tattoo studios, individuals may develop health complications, which need to be addressed immediately,” he said.
Not classified as “cosmetics”
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and the Rules of 1945, “Cosmetics” means any article intended to wipe, pour, pour, sprinkle or spray or spray or introduce or otherwise apply to or otherwise apply to the human body or any part thereof to clean, beautify, beautify, beautify, promote attractiveness or change appearance and to change appearance, and include any article as an integral part to apply to COSMECTONES cOSMECTONES cOSMOTICENECENTEMECTONDENS cOSMOTECENTEMECTOMENTEMECTOMENTEMECTONES. Although tattoo ink fits this definition, it has not been classified as “cosmetic”.
“Pigments and heavy metals injected into the skin through tattoo ink can be transported to migrating cells and organs, such as the liver, lungs or kidneys. Investigations on health risks associated with tattoos have shown that people have developed skin problems, systemic reactions, fever after tattoos and pus-filled tattoo lesions.”
publishing – February 28, 2025 at 4:40 pm IST
