So you wana be inky? Well think again!

Let’s just keep it real. Tattoos are all the rage amongst young people. They are one of the most popular visual forms of expression and can be very attractive to some. There are kids out there just itching for the day when they’re old enough to get a tattoo. I have two tattoos myself and often fantasize about my next ink and where it will go. Tattoos are addictive that is for sure. I always knew that you have to be careful when getting tattoos because of risk for improper sanitation and sterilization. Personally, I have always gone to a professional to get mine done.

However, I just recently became aware of a nasty outbreak of hard-to-treat skin disease attributed to tattoo ink ingredients that prompted both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue warnings about the associated health risks of tattoos. Apparently, some inks contain dyes “suitable for printers’ ink or automobile paint.” Black ink in particular may be trouble from the carcinogenic point-of- view. I love tattoos, but now I am definitely having second thoughts about my next ink. I’m really beginning to think they’re bad for you. Sad face!