Red tattoo allergies after REACH regulation: a continuing problem

Dermatology Reports, vol. 18

Abstract

Despite new EU regulations, allergies to red ink tattoos remain an urgent public health problem. Red tattoo pigments continue to occur at a clinically relevant rate. This observation raises critical questions about the effectiveness, scope, and enforcement of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. We argue that current tattoo ink restrictions fail to sufficiently protect European consumers from known allergens and that regulatory revisions are urgently needed.

Authors 1

1. Sebastiaan A. S. van der Bent corresponding Aachen Tattoopoli Department of Dermatology, Alrijne Hospital "Tattoo poli" Clinic

   Alrijne Ziekenhuis

   Affiliation as printed

   Tattoopoli, Department of Dermatology, Alrijne Hospital, Leiden

   "Tattoo poli" Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Alrijne Hospital, Leiden