After years of ignoring the tattoo industry, the FDA - who regulates almost everything Americans use or eat - has decided to put tattoo inks to the test. Their scientists have launched several studies to examine the makeup of tattoo pigments, their effects on the human body and whether or not they should enforce regulation of these products. Of course, these studies will take several years, so don't look for any regulation any time soon. Maybe they should just ask the people who have been wearing tattoos for 20+ years.

Many artists welcome the idea of regulating tattoo inks, though, because many of the pigment and ink makers are very hesitant to share their well-guarded secrets. Even requests for MSDA fact sheets often go unanswered. My personal advice would be to purchase inks that are made by a fellow tattoo artist, such as Intenze Inks by Mario Barth - they usually understand the needs of the client best, wear tattoos made with their own inks, and wouldn't risk their own reputation by using questionable products that could harm someone.

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