Around a quarter of New Zealanders have a tattoo. Photo: 123rf
Around a quarter of New Zealanders have a tattoo, but just how safe is the ink used?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking information about how tattoo inks are supplied, made and used in New Zealand in order to assess whether the current rules are fit for purpose.
EPA hazardous substances reassessments manager Dr Shaun Presow told Morning Report they were concerned after researchers overseas found some tattoo inks can contain potentially harmful chemicals.
The EPA put rules in place in 2011, and the current survey is to see if these need to be updated.
"We know that the prevalence of tattoos is increasing in society. We know that inks are more easily available from other suppliers online. We want to see how people are getting these inks, and if there's a need for us to strengthen these rules."
Presow said the EPA is keen to hear from a range of tattoo artists, including Tā moko and other traditional tattoo practitioners, as well as from tattoo parlours.
"We are doing a survey, we're asking tattoo artists in particular, but anyone who has an interest to let us know what inks they're using, where they're getting them from and how they're being used."
The EPA is concerned some tattoo inks may contain heavy metals which can have adverse effects.
"We're not making any recommendations on which inks are better than others. We're just collecting information at this stage and then we just want to make sure that these rules are keeping Kiwis safe."
Presow said it is the EPA's responsibility to keep New Zealanders safe from potentially harmful chemicals in some inks.
"Our responsibility includes hazardous substances and that includes substances that are in, for example, cosmetics or tattoo inks.
"We do make rules for various different areas."
