47/100

Personal Care

Coloured Tattoo Ink (Metals & PAHs)

Moderate burden — Coloured Tattoo Ink (Metals & PAHs) adds a moderate, reducible exposure.

Pigmented tattoo inks deposited permanently in the skin.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
6
Everyday exposure
2
Persistence
7

Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 47 places coloured tattoo ink (metals & pahs) in the Moderate band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Some coloured inks contain heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the pigment stays in skin and lymph nodes for life. Choosing a professional using regulated inks reduces what goes in.

Cleaner swap → A reputable artist using REACH-compliant, disclosed inks.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is coloured tattoo ink (metals & pahs) a toxic exposure?

Coloured Tattoo Ink (Metals & PAHs) has a Detox Score of 47 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Some coloured inks contain heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the pigment stays in skin and lymph nodes for life. Choosing a professional using regulated inks reduces what goes in.

What is a safer alternative to coloured tattoo ink (metals & pahs)?

A lower-exposure swap for coloured tattoo ink (metals & pahs) is: A reputable artist using REACH-compliant, disclosed inks. Some coloured inks contain heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the pigment stays in skin and lymph nodes for life. Choosing a professional using regulated inks reduces what goes in.

Lower-exposure choices

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