Testing for toxic chemicals after laser tattoo removal

Almost half of Australians have a tattoo; So what happens if you regret that tattoo?

Laser tattoo removal can lead to exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, and Flinders University researchers are looking to assess these possible risks through a new Flinders University study in South Australia.

Project leader Ph.D. “The increase in tattoo popularity has led to a corresponding increase in ‘tattoo regret’, and many people are turning to laser removal,” he says. candidate Benjamin Boyle from Flinders University.

“Laser tattoo removal is a growing industry but is largely unregulated in South Australia.”

Researchers are asking 50 people to participate in urine testing before and after laser treatment.

Professor Claire Lenehan, Dean of Research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: “Our research It has been shown that carcinogenic compounds may be released during laser tattoo removal procedures.

“Just as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause dyes to deteriorate, laser removal of tattoos can cause pigment molecules to break down into smaller, potentially toxic compounds.

“We identified chemicals known to damage DNA, affect fertility and even cause cancer.”

The next step is to test urine samples Data collected from volunteers who had their tattoos removed with a laser to see whether these chemicals were released into the body during the tattoo removal process.

“We need to learn more about the safety of laser tattoo removal, especially on the kidneys and other blood-filtering organs,” says Boyle. “Do they filter through the body, or do they get stuck in the body?”

Boyle, who presented the preliminary study at the 17th World Congress on Environmental Health (IFEH 2024) in Perth earlier this year, says voluntary human participation will help identify health risks associated with laser tattoo removal.

He says this study will help inform public health recommendations, policies and regulations. laser tattoo removal worldwide.