Shock research has warned that tattoo ink can cause cancer, with one colour more dangerous than the others
The inks aren't subject to regulations applying to drugs or food, with many tattoo shops operating without oversight
A SHOCKING new study has suggested that inked-up Brits are facing an increased cancer risk - because of chemicals used in their tattoos.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) warned that some tattoo inks could be toxic, and has called for the banning of the potentially-deadly substances.
The organisation's report claims that the toxic ink could cause skin problems which could last for years, as well as increasing the risk of cancer.
Other side effects include serious allergic reactions to the suspect ink and painful itching which can last for years.
The agency will publish a detailed report outlining which chemicals pose the greatest risk, although red inks were described as the most dangerous.
Blue, green and black inks also came under fire, with the agency's report likely to result in certain inks and chemicals being banned by the EU.
The agency said: “Many reports show concerns for public health stemming from the composition of inks used for tattooing.
“The most severe concerns are allergies caused by the substances in the inks and possible carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic effects.”
Public Health England welcomed the findings, alongside Rick Stevens, president of the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union in the UK.
He claimed that a recent influx of cheap Chinese tattoo inks had made their way to the UK, with these substances not subject to any safety checks.
With more Brits today opting for tattoos than ever before, the agency's frantic warning came after a series of health problems associated with tattoo ink emerged.
The inks aren't covered by any regulations applying to drugs or food, with many tattoo shops operating without any government oversight or guidelines.
READ NOW:
- Airline passenger ejected from flight at Stockholm Airport over ISIS tattoo
- Fake thongs, vile finger tatts and a ‘slut’ stamp: Tattoo Fixers on Holiday sorts out boozy inking mistakes
- Here’s what happens when you do a face swap with a tattoo.. but be warned, it may keep you up all night