ATLANTA — Tattoo ink may leave microscopic particles that can circulate in the immune system and end up in the lymph nodes, a new study finds.
Scientists wanted to determine the effect tattoos had within the body, particularly the lymph nodes, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, examined lymph nodes and skin samples from deceased donors: four with tattoos and two with no tattoos, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Using X-ray fluorescence to identify ink particles and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect biomolecular changes in surrounding tissue, scientists found traces in the subjects with tattooes and none in the lymph nodes of the non-tattooed subjects.
They discovered stained lymph nodes in two of the subjects, one with blue ink and one with green.
Researchers found elevated levels of metals including aluminum, chromium, iron, nickel and copper in the nodes and skin.
The study concluded contamination could lead to chronic enlargement of the lymph nodes and long-term exposure to toxic compounds.
The scientists say the next step will be to study what particular health effects ink particles may cause.
