Carcinogens? Toxins from tattoo in human lymph nodes are detectable

Lead tattoos to previously unknown health conditions?
When people get a tattoo, there are always some risks involved. For example, there is the possibility that allergic reactions, infections, or even diseases such as hepatitis or tetanus, may occur if the device for tattooing has not been properly sterilized. Researchers have now discovered that tattoos pose even greater health dangers, as toxic metals from the ink can enter the immune system and affect the lymph nodes.

The researchers from the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) discovered in their study that the particles of the ink can reach our lymph nodes during tattoos. The physicians published the results of their study in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports".

When people get tattooed, all sorts of health risks arise, such as possible allergic reactions or infections. Tattoos seem to affect the body on a different level. Toxic metals from the ink can reach our lymph nodes ... (Image: belyjmishka / fotolia.com)

Chemical particles found in the lymph tissue of tattooed humans
For their study, the experts examined the lymph nodes and skin samples of deceased donors. Four of them had tattoos, two of the donors had never been tattooed. The physicians found various chemical particles of impurities such as nickel, chromium, manganese and cobalt in the lymph tissue of the tattooed persons. To detect these nanoparticles, the scientists used X-rays.

When tattooing, pay attention to the composition of the colors
When tattooing people, they are often very careful in choosing tattooists and pay particular attention to the hygiene and use of sterile needles. Nobody, however, checks the chemical composition of the colors, the researchers report. However, the current study shows that this should be an important factor in the selection of the tattoo artist, explains author Hiram Castillo.

Titanium dioxide that has penetrated the body can lead to negative consequences
So-called titanium dioxide is used as part of the ink for tattoos to create certain colors. Titanium dioxide can be found in many everyday products, such as paint, food and cosmetics. The use of titanium dioxide has become increasingly critical in recent years, yet titanium dioxide is one of the 50 most widely produced chemicals worldwide. Previous research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has already found that titanium dioxide that has entered the body can cause adverse health effects.

What causes titanium dioxide in the lymph nodes?
The physicians suspect that the titanium dioxide particles in the ink are transported through the blood to the lymph nodes - or taken up by immune cells, which then deposit them. The lymph nodes are small glands found throughout the body. They are part of the human lymphatic system, which transports fluid, nutrients and waste material between the body's tissue and the bloodstream. This system is an important part of the immune system, the body's defense against diseases. Titanium dioxide causes the lymph nodes to swell, hampering their ability to fight infections, the experts explain.

How do colored lymph nodes develop??
Pigments from tattoos get into the human lymph nodes and there is even visual evidence, the researchers emphasize. The lymph nodes are colored by the colors of the tattoo, according to author Bernhard Hesse of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF).

Further research is needed
There is strong evidence of the long-term deposition of toxic elements in the body after tattooing, the researchers explain. Further investigations are now required to identify and better understand the adverse effects. (As)