Regulation on restrictions on chemical substances found in tattoos, from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
CYPRUS ONCOLOGICAL SOCIETY
To: Members of the Dermatological and Venereological Society of Cyprus (DAEK) and the Oncological Society of Cyprus (OEK)
Dear colleagues
Subject: Regulation on restrictions on chemical substances found in tattoos, by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
We would like to inform you about developments at the European level regarding the chemicals found in tattoo and permanent makeup pigments.
The European Union (EU) in 2015 mandated the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to conduct research on the risks of the aforementioned materials to the health of its citizens.
The reasoning behind this decision was the uncontrolled use of substances that, without regulatory rules governing their applications, posed a risk to the health of individuals undergoing tattoos or permanent makeup, both short-term and long-term.
These substances are reported to sometimes be transported through the lymphatic system to lymph nodes and organs. In fact, when these substances are removed with a laser, microparticles are created that enter , perhaps more easily than before, the human body’s circulation.
The goal is not to ban tattoos but to have better regulation of substance control, proper information for professionals and citizens, and the correct categorization of substances according to their risk.
The categorization is as follows:
- Substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction (CMR’s)
- Substances that cause skin sensitization, irritation or corrosion
- Substances that are corrosive or harmful to the eyes
- Metals
- Other substances identified by the European Council as being included in the safety criteria for tattoos and permanent make-up
After a 5-year study, the REACH regulation has been issued and is in force since January 2022 throughout the European Union and includes the restriction of more than 4,000 such substances. Examples of such chemicals are:
azo dyes, carcinogenic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s), metals, and methanol.
With the issued regulation, there will also be better instructions for use as well as information for citizens on the labels of products containing such substances.
It should be emphasized that the aim is not to target groups of professionals, but to provide proper information to all actors (governments, health professionals, tattoo and permanent make-up professionals and other professions that come into contact with chemicals) with the ultimate aim of protecting the health of European citizens. The regulations on chemicals are a sub-annex of the general regulations set by the EU, which include substances that are also found in other products such as food, medicines, cosmetics, industrial products, etc.
For more information, please visit the link: echa.europa.eu
With colleague greetings
From the DAEK and OEK Councils January 17, 2022
