Quantitative analysis of metals and metal-based nano- and submicron-particles in tattoo inks

Battistini, Beatrice; Petrucci, Francesco; Angelis, De; Failla, Cristina Maria; Bocca, Beatrice

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125667

Cited by 37 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…Cu‐phthalocyanine colorants such as blue and green pigments are very common in cosmetics 25 . High Cu contents in blue and green tattoo inks were also reported in previous studies 16,25,26 . Up to 4310 μg/g soluble Cu in tattoo inks was also reported in an European market survey by EC 4 .…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

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Analytical survey of tattoo inks—A chemical and legal perspective with focus on sensitizing substances

et al. 2021

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Background Tattoo inks have been reported to elicit allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives To investigate the labels and the contents of metals and pigments in tattoo inks, considering restrictions within the European Union. Methods Seventy‐three tattoo inks currently available on the market, either bought or donated (already used), were investigated for trace metals and pigments by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. Results Ninety‐three percent of the bought tattoo inks violated European, legal requirements on labeling. Fifty percent of the tattoo inks declared at least one pigment ingredient incorrectly. Sixty‐one percent of the inks contained pigments of concern, especially red inks. Iron, aluminium, titanium, and copper (most in green/blue inks) were the main metals detected in the inks. The level of metal impurities exceeded current restriction limits in only a few cases. Total chromium (0.35‐139 μg/g) and nickel (0.1‐41 μg/g) were found in almost all samples. The levels of iron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, and arsenic were found to covary significantly. Conclusions To prevent contact allergy and toxic reactions among users it is important for tattoo ink manufacturers to follow the regulations and decrease nickel and chromium impurities.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

“…Copper ion is the central atom in the structures of these pigments and is firmly bonded to the base structure 25 . Fe originates mainly from the pigment CI77491 (Red Iron Oxide/Pigments Red 101/102) 9,26 . Mo and W can be included in xanthene pigments (CI45170:2, Pigment Violet 1) 26 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analytical survey of tattoo inks—A chemical and legal perspective with focus on sensitizing substances

et al. 2021

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“…Because tattoo inks represent a poorly-regulated field, their composition under the same trade name may evolve over time. In this respect, the comparison of metal contents in tattoo inks between 2009 and 2020 [24,25] shows a reduction in the toxic metal contents, and for example in the cobalt content. This positive trend shall not hide the fact that the inks used in the early 2000’s on people that were around 20 years of age are to be present for still a few decades in the tattooed people.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immediate and sustained effects of cobalt and zinc-containing pigments on macrophages

Devcic

Dalzon

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Tattoos are trending, and in the USA 25% of people aged 18 to 50 are tattooed. The more people get tattoos, the more skin injuries are discovered and reported in the literature. The short-term and localized effects are well known, but injection of tattoo inks can be associated to long-term risks. In this article, we investigated three cobalt pigments, which constitute a wide range of colors found in tattoos: Pigment Violet 14 (purple), Pigment Green19 (green), and Pigment Blue 28 (blue). After injection, macrophages are among the first cells to come in contact with pigments. We thus tested the effects of cobalt-based pigments on the macrophage cell line J774A1. In order to detect delayed effects, we compared two exposure schemes: acute exposure for 24 hours and with a 3 days post-exposure recovery period. The conjunction of these two schemes allowed the investigation of delayed or sustained effects of the pigments. Pigment dissolution and cobalt release was very variable from one pigment to another, Pigment Violet 14 and Pigment Green19 being easily dissolved, while Pigment Blue 28 dissolved much more slowly. The cytotoxicity of the pigments correlated well with their dissolution. All pigments induced functional effects on macrophages, which were largely pigment-dependent. For example, Pigment Green19 and Pigment Blue 28 showed a delayed effect on the phagocytic capacity of the cells. All three pigments induced a low but significant secretion of tumor necrosis factor, but the effect was transient. Conversely, Pigment Violet 14 and Pigment Blue 28 induced a sustained secretion of interleukin 6, although at low levels. The pigments also induced changes in some important membrane markers of macrophages such as CD11b, PdL-1 or CD206. In conclusion, the pigments induced functional perturbations in macrophages, sometimes persistent over time after exposure, even at non-toxic doses.

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“…The potential of spICP-MS was demonstrated in the literature by the characterization of TiO 2 NPs in sunscreens, 369 374 Several studies prove the usefulness of spICP-MS for the analysis of the particles present in or released from industrial products as well. The release of nano and sub-micron particles was monitored from different painted surfaces, 375,376 printed nanosilver circuits 377 and nano-enabled pressure-treated lumber 378 and their presence was demonstrated in tattoo inks 379,380 as well.…”

Section: Methodology and Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanoparticles in analytical laser and plasma spectroscopy – a review of recent developments in methodology and applications

Galbács

Kéri

Kohut

et al. 2021

J. Anal. At. Spectrom.

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Quantitative analysis of metals and metal-based nano- and submicron-particles in tattoo inks

Cited by 37 publications

References 41 publications

Analytical survey of tattoo inks—A chemical and legal perspective with focus on sensitizing substances

Analytical survey of tattoo inks—A chemical and legal perspective with focus on sensitizing substances

Immediate and sustained effects of cobalt and zinc-containing pigments on macrophages

Nanoparticles in analytical laser and plasma spectroscopy – a review of recent developments in methodology and applications

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