Tatoo’s have been used in religious rites for centuries by different cultures.  Recently, in North America it has become a trendy decorative art and seen as a self expression act. It is now so popular that in 2003 researcher’s found that 36% of people aged 25-29 had at least one body tatoo.  If you think that they are a safe product because the FDA does not regulate them, think again. The FDA just annouced  plans to study how the chemicals contained in tattoo ink break down in the body, whether they pose long-term health risks, and whether some chemicals pose greater risks than others. The study is expected to take several years to complete.

One of the chemicals known to be used in tattoo ink is thimerosal. It is also commonly included in  vaccines, antivenins, and eye and ear products as a preservative. Many parents, and some scientists and doctors, believe there is a connection between thiomersal and autism. More than 5,000 U.S. families have filed claims in a federal vaccine court alleging autism was caused by vaccines, most implicating thiomersal.

According to FDA spokesperson Stephanie Kwisnek, the investigation into inks was triggered by reports of adverse skin reactions to tattoo inks, increase use of permenent make up such as eyeliner, the growing popularity of tattooing among the U.S. population, and “concerns raised by the scientific community.”

Some of the known risks of getting a Tatoo’s are: infections, removal complications, allergic reactions, MRI complications. The unknown risks may be far more dangerous.