Tattoos, a long-standing form of personal expression, are practiced by about one third of adults in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.
While the aftercare of tattoos poses a high risk of infection, Research by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that 35% of tattoo and permanent makeup inks are contaminated with harmful bacteria. A total of 75 were tested as part of the study.
Tattoo artist in Tattoo studio “Good Life” in San Diego’s East Village take great pride in their work and value both exceptional craftsmanship and customer safety.
Anthony Concepcion has been a tattoo apprentice at the shop for three years. He said the shop purchases tattoo ink from a reputable local dealer.
“I wouldn’t even recognize the slightest chance that there was bacteria in my ink. If it wasn’t tested, I wouldn’t know about it. And then I would just assume it might be something I did,” he said. “I just try to make sure that everything I do is clean so the chance of infection or anything like that is significantly lower.”
The head of the Laser and Dermatology Department at UC San Diego Health, Dr. Arisa Ortiz, has studied cosmetic tattoos. She said complications from tattoo inks go beyond infections and include autoimmune and allergic reactions.
“At the university, we see all kinds of complications with tattoo inks, not just infections, but autoimmune reactions and allergic reactions. This article really raises an issue that needs to be investigated further,” Ortiz said.
Despite the risks, many tattoo artists are willing to get tattooed for the sake of their artistic expression.
Michael Angelo Alvarado is a trainer at South Park Fitness. He is adorned with a series of colorful tattoos that stretch from his head to his feet, including an entire sleeve full of intricate artwork.
“Honestly, I don’t care. I feel like I’ve really embraced the tattoo lifestyle and I plan on having most of my body covered in it,” he said.
Physical therapist Kyle Dorsey said he has no qualms about getting more tattoos, even after learning about the contaminated ink. Each of his tattoos has a special meaning, like the one on his bicep that commemorates his grandfather.
“His dog tag from his time in the Army Air Corps. I pinned it here on my bicep because it symbolizes the strength he gave me,” he said.
Anthony Concepcion’s mentor and tattoo artist, who calls himself Thakuya said that every ink bottle at Good Life Tattoo Shop can be traced back to the specific brand and batch in case a claim needs to be filed.
“I’ve seen different brands come and go, but I stick with the ones that have stood the test of time,” he said.
Thakuya said he has never had to report a case of potentially contaminated ink in nearly three decades of his artistic career and hopes it stays that way.
