Identification of elements in tattoo inks by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

ANYL 145

Nancy Hepp, NHepp@cfsan.fda.gov, Office of Colors and Cosmetics/Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740
Reports of adverse events from tattoos and their removal have recently increased. Color additives permitted for use in cosmetics do not include approvals for injection into the skin. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry was used to identify elemental components (Z Ан 11 or Na) of selected commercial tattoo inks. A standardless software program, UniQuant (Omega Data Systems), was used to estimate relative quantities of the elemental components. High levels of iron and titanium were found in many of the inks. Aluminum, copper, and chromium were also seen in some inks. The historically present mercury-, cadmium-, cobalt-, or nickel-based pigments were not found. Evidence for organic pigments was also frequently seen. The elemental results indicate that mixtures of pigments are present in many of the inks. The complexity of the ink mixtures complicates the correlation of adverse events with pigment identity.
 

General Papers
7:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sunday, 28 August 2005 Washington DC Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Analytical Chemistry

The 230th ACS National Meeting, in Washington, DC, Aug 28-Sept 1, 2005