Dangerous tattoo ink major problem in Netherlands

An estimated one third of tattoo inks used in the Netherlands contain substances that could cause cancer, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority reports. The NVWA did an investigation into the safety of tattoo inks and found that 41 percent of the investigated black inks contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be carcinogenic. They also investigated colored inks over the period 2008 to 2013 and found that 30 percent of the colored inks contain so-called PAA-forming dyes. PAA forming dyes are panned because they pose an additional risk of cancer for consumers. European rules allow a certain amount of contaminants and dyes and maximum concentrations of PAHs. Dutch legislation for tattoo dyes is even stricter and includes a general ban on carcinogens. The NVWA has launched a campaign to inform consumers of possible risks involved in getting tattoos. The campaign is called "Think before you ink!". The campaign gives information on the rules that apply around tattooing, such as the fact that under 16's need consent from a parent or guardian before getting a tattoo. An info-graphic also advises consumers to only get a tattoo at a studio that has a license from the Public Health Service.