How Safe Is Getting a Tattoo, Really?

You Should Know: In Western culture, tattoos used to be considered badges of rebellion and “deviance,” but today almost half of U.S. adults ages 30 to 49 have at least one. There’s the initial pain and potential for infection afterward, but are there any long-lasting health effects from getting inked?

Going Deeper: A tattoo needle plants ink one to three millimeters into the skin. The immune system could mount a response in the form of an allergic reaction even weeks or months later — with red ink historically associated with a higher number of reactions. Tattoos are permanent, but not every drop of ink stays put forever. Some ink will travel through the lymphatic system and can settle into lymph nodes where it can be taken up by and eventually kill immune cells. 

Takeaway: Some researchers have been looking into whether tattoo ink could raise cancer risk — but there is no proof that it causes cancer. Some inks contain heavy metals and other chemicals, including pigments commonly used in manufacturing. Europe carefully regulates the ingredients in tattoo ink, while the U.S. has fewer specific regulations. 

Bottom Line: Much more research is needed on any long-term impacts of tattoos. Skin infections and allergic reactions are more immediate concerns. Getting tattooed by an experienced artist who takes hygiene and sterilization as seriously as the art is a must.