can tattoos cause cancer

 Drawing tattoos can lead to a number of health risks, and a recent medical study warns of the harmful effects of tattoo ink, which can cause cancer because it contains toxic chemicals.

Scientists at the State University of New York found that half of the 56 tattoo ink samples they examined contained azo compounds that degrade into cancer-causing chemicals under ultraviolet light from sunlight.

The scientists noted that many inks contain particles smaller than 100 nanometers in size, which can enter the nucleus and cause cancer.

Scientists also say that if the equipment used during the tattooing process is not properly cleaned, the tattooed person is at risk of contracting bacteria through skin penetration, or contracting blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis.

Also read: The many symptoms of a tattoo allergy. In this case it must be removed

At the American Chemical Society meeting in Chicago, scientists reviewed their findings showing that tattoo pigments contain compounds not listed on the ingredient label, such as azotitanium dioxide, titanium dioxide and ethanol, which help fade tattoos. blood.

According to scientists, these compounds may cause cancer if exposed to sunlight or bacteria.

British newspaper The Daily Mail quoted chemist John Swark, who led the team of scientists who led the study, as saying: "It's hard to know what the dye breaks down into. Our inks may be safe on their own, but their deterioration is worrying.

Swerk added: Some inks contain very small particles that can cross cell membranes and cause damage that can lead to cancer.

Swerk noted that tattoo removal is also a dangerous process with possible health consequences, explaining: We don't know how the laser interacts with the pigment in the tattoo when it is removed.