Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
William Alexander Donald, Professor of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney

Lead, arsenic and other toxic metals abound in tattoo inks sold in Australia – new study

Lucas Dalamarta/Unsplash

In recent decades, millions of Australians have embraced body art – an estimated 30% of adults have a tattoo. Over a third of those with tattoos have five or more pieces.

Trend reporting from industry and lifestyle sources suggests designs are becoming increasingly large, colourful and complex. Although tattoos have become more common, less attention has been paid to what’s in the inks being injected into people’s skin.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.