*Findings revealed that unopened and sealed tattoo inks can harbour anaerobic bacteria, known to thrive in low-oxygen environments like the dermal layer of the skin, alongside aerobic bacteria, say researchers

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Experts have expressed worry about the risk of serious infections in view of a fresh study by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The experts highlighted the risk of bacterial infections that are prevalent among about 35 percent of tattoo and permanent makeup.

The study found that nearly 35 percent of all tattoo inks are contaminated with bacteria, and could pose a risk of serious infection for consumers.

Seong-Jae (Peter) Kim, Ph.D., one of the researchers, stated: 鈥淥ur findings reveal that unopened and sealed tattoo inks can harbour anaerobic bacteria, known to thrive in low-oxygen environments like the dermal layer of the skin, alongside aerobic bacteria.

鈥淭his suggests that contaminated tattoo inks could be a source of infection from both types of bacteria.

鈥淭he results emphasise the importance of monitoring these products for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including possibly pathogenic microorganisms.鈥�

Understanding the risk to consumers

The researchers, for the study, tested 75 different types of tattoo ink from 14 different manufacturers. All of the inks tested in the study are currently available for purchase in the United States.

Ultimately, the researchers learned that nearly 35 percent of all of the samples were contaminated with bacteria.

Report, however, indicates it is also important to note that permanent makeups were included in these tests, and these products proved to have more bacteria than tattoo inks, ConsumerAffairs report said.

Kim also wrote: 鈥淏oth types of bacteria, those needing oxygen (aerobic) and those not needing oxygen (anaerobic), can contaminate the inks.

鈥淭here was no clear link between a product label claiming sterility and the actual absence of bacterial contamination.鈥�

The researchers were able to identify 19 possibly pathogenic bacterial strains, many of which are linked to common infections.

For instance, cutibacterium acnes, which can cause acne breakouts, and staphylococcus saprophyticus, which can cause urinary tract infections.

How infections can spread

While several of such infections are localised, the researchers nonetheless explained that there is always a risk of the infection travelling throughout the bloodstream and affecting other major bodily systems.

It is important that consumers understand the risks related to these bacteria, and that these products are under heavier scrutiny to prioritise consumers鈥� health and safety.

鈥淭he rising popularity of tattooing in recent years has coincided with an increase in tattoo-related complications or adverse reactions.

鈥淚n light of our study results, we want to emphasise the importance of continuously monitoring these products to ensure the microbial safety of tattoo inks,鈥� Kim stated.

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