Tattoo Ink Linked to Increased Lymphoma Risk,Immune System Disruption in New Research
STOCKHOLM,SWEDEN – Emerging research is raising serious concerns about the long-term health effects of tattoo ink,with studies indicating the pigments can travel throughout the body,perhaps disrupting the immune system and increasing the risk of certain cancers. While the practice of tattooing remains widespread, scientists are calling for stricter regulation and further inquiry into the safety of inks used.
The growing body of evidence suggests tattoo pigments aren’t inert once injected into the skin. A recent study, described by researchers as the “most complete to date” on the effect of tattoo ink on the immune response, highlights the need for increased scrutiny.The research points to potential risks,building on long-documented evidence of pigment presence in human lymph nodes,with results in mice mirroring observations in humans and primates. This is notably concerning given that tattoo inks, unlike medical products, currently face less rigorous toxicology testing and monitoring.
A 2024 Swedish study involving approximately 12,000 participants revealed a 21 percent higher risk of malignant lymphoma among those with tattoos compared to those without. the increased risk was most pronounced within the first two years after getting a tattoo and again after more than 10 years. This elevated risk encompassed major lymphoma types, including aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and slower-growing follicular lymphoma.
reinforcing these findings, a Danish twin study published in January showed similar correlations between tattoos and increased risks of both skin cancer and lymphoma – including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The Danish research indicated that larger tattoos, exceeding the size of a palm, carried an even greater risk, increasing the likelihood of lymphoma by 2.7 times and more than doubling the risk of skin cancer.
Researchers in both Sweden and Denmark emphasize the need for further investigation, particularly given the known tendency of pigments like carbon black, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and azo dyes to migrate to and persist in lymph nodes for years. “Our study highlights the need for further research to inform public health policies and regulatory frameworks regarding the safety of tattoo inks,” the researchers stated.
