Tattooing is linked with several infectious diseases that are particularly linked to the disease that are transmitted through blood, also known as transfusion-transmitted diseases (TTDs). The vulnerable health adversities associated with tattooing include Hepatitis B and C, Cancer of the liver, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Popularity of Tattoos
A tattoo is basically a form of body art performed using dyes, pigments, and inks. The rise in the entertainment and Fashion industry has further fueled the popularity of this industry.
As per the reports of Fortune Business Insights the global tattoo market is estimated to reach a market value of about USD 2.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 4.83 Billion by 2032, which exhibits a growth rate of around CAGR of 10.20%.
The concept of Tattoos is famous as it is symbolized as a part of self-expression. People are found to be tattooed on their bodies with intricate designs or symbols that demonstrate their religious faiths.
What does the study of researchers reveal and the Opinions of Doctors?
In a recent study at Lund University in Sweden, it was found that individuals faced high concerns regarding the development of Lymphoma, which is a type of cancer-related lymphatic system.
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Recent studies also revealed that getting tattooed increases the chances of blood cancer by 21%. This is because the immune system of the human body is subjected to avoiding foreign elements in the body. Chemicals such as PAHs, Copper, lead, and more present in tattoo ink expose the human body to health risks and diseases such as blood cancer when it enters the bloodstream.
“This is because the tattoo ink, which may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) – also called a carcinogen, is fused into the skin. The body then assumes the chemicals of ink as foreign particles as a result the immune system of the body gets activated. A large part of the ink is transported away from the skin, to the lymph nodes where it is deposited” Claimed Tushar Tayal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
In a survey report by Australia’s Department of Health, it is found that PAHs are observed in the blood samples along with other hazardous components such as copper and Mercury specifically in individuals having tattooed with black ink.
On the other hand, Suhail Qureshi, Additional Director & Unit Head – of Medical Oncology, at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, states ” The primary health risks stem from using potentially contaminated needles for tattoos by untrained individuals, which can lead to infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or even HIV” .
Thus, the above findings and data have added another layer of concern to the debated topic. The negative influence of tattoos on the human body has also sent shock waves to both tattoo lovers and individuals associated with the tattoo industry.
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How Tattooing is spreading infectious diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B, C, and Cancer?
The ink of Tatoo might contain Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbon also referred to as Carcinogen to the skin. The Viruses of Hepatitis Band C are transferred to the body using contaminated needles and ink. HIV is also transmitted to individuals due to the use of contaminated needles.
Inadequate skin preparation before carrying out the tattoo process leads to fungal infections. Tattooing over the areas with existing skin infections and wounds introduces pathogens into the deep layers of the skin leading to further infection.
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Safety Measures for Individuals with Tattoo
Unfortunately, there are no strict policies and regulations associated with tattoos till now. However, the following are some measures that can be utilized to practice safe tattooing.
Regular skin checkups should be done by the individuals to early detect any skin disease.
People with moles or beauty marks are recommended to maintain a distance of about 1 millimeter between the spot and the ink.
In conclusion, there is evidence that there are no strict guidelines and laws regarding Tatoo and there are numerous health risks associated with Tattooing including HIV, Hepatitis B, C Genetic Mutation, other skin concerns, and Cancers. The transfer Tatoo needles into the hands of unprofessional and the presence of harmful substances in tattoo ink indicates that necessary steps are essentially to be taken to evade its harmful effects in the human body.
