HSE publishes restriction opinion on tattoo and permanent make-up inks
2023-02-14
A detailed analysis on substances that could cause health risks to adults in Britain who get tattoos or permanent make up has been published.
Following a six-month public consultation last year on a restriction proposal for certain hazardous substances in tattoo and permanent make up inks, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in its role as the agency for UK REACH, has published its risk assessment opinion.
This is the first analysis of its kind to have been published under UK REACH, the standalone chemicals regime established after the UK left the EU.
Today’s published opinion on the restriction proposal was developed after considering responses from last year’s consultation. Additionally, in line with the legal requirements under the UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, HSE also opened a 60-day public consultation on the draft socio-economic opinion for the same dossier. Any comments that will help HSE with this assessment should be submitted here.
Dr Richard Daniels, HSE’s Director of Chemicals Regulation Division, said: “Tattoo and permanent makeup inks could contain substances that are harmful to us. Some of these substances, for example, could trigger allergic reactions in the skin.
“We have listened carefully to the tattooing community. For example our proposals refer to two pigments which would, after careful assessment, be allowed to be used.
“While tattoo artists have measures to keep their work hygienic, there are currently no regulatory controls in Great Britain for substances in inks used for tattooing and permanent makeup.”
HSE, 14-02-23
; https://press.hse.gov.uk/2023/02/14/hse-publishes-restriction-opinion-on-tattoo-and-permanent-make-up-inks