Identification and Quantification of Phthalates, PAHs, Amines, Phenols, and Metals in Tattoo

Abstract

The determination methods of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, primary amines, phenols, and metals in tattoo dyes have been optimized and validated using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Twelve PAHs, 3 phthalates, 4 amines, and 15 metals were identified and quantified in 16 different tattoo dyes purchased from shops in the Republic of Korea. Phenols were not detected in any sample. The total PAHs in six inks and benzo(a)pyrene in one tattoo ink exceeded the legal limit set by the Council of Europe, and their maximum detected concentrations were about 10 and 5 times the limits of the compounds, respectively. 3,3′‐Dichlorobenzidine and o‐anisidine, which should not be present in tattoo inks by Resolution ResAP (2008) of the Council of Europe, were detected in tattoo inks. Also, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ba, Ni, Sb, Zn, and As exceeded the limits. These hazardous compounds should be controlled to the lowest possible concentrations in the raw materials and the production procedure of tattoo ink.