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A friendly reminder that ALL artists, regardless who they buy from, should refrain from criticizing companies that have been victims of these most recent FDA recalls and/or advisories. We are ALL on the same boat here and ANY one of the ink companies, whether CTS members or not, can be (and are in fact) in the crosshairs of the FDA… and that includes smaller companies that mix powder.
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Both the Senate bill and House draft discuss altering and regulating the manufacturing processes of cosmetic products.
By definition, the FDA considers the act of tattooing as a cosmetic procedure.
The bills are written to address concerns affecting the tattoo industry. Within the tattoo industry, both artists and manufacturers, disagree with this definition of tattooing. Tattooing has evolved a long way during the last four decades with countless innovations and improved materials and procedures. Regardless, it was just a matter of time until legislative oversight would step in to monitor an industry involving human health and safety. CTS welcomes regulatory standards – but with input, advice and guidance provided by practicing artists and industry leaders. As discussed with other CTS members, if regulations are to be implemented, they must be realistic to our industry.
The FDA currently recognizes and accepts a list of cosmetic color additives petitioned during the last 80 years. The tattoo industry was not involved with the existing FDA guidelines for cosmetic color additives because the cosmetic industry is viewed by the tattoo arts as a separate industry from the tattoo industry. It wasn’t until recently that tattoo pigment manufacturers were aware of the stipulations the FDA has set for color additives. The proposed list of cosmetic color additives the FDA suggests be used for tattooing will NOT produce a successful tattoo. FDA color additives are essentially a dye. Dyes do not have a particle size that can be placed safely into the body for tattooing. Dyes will not stay in the dermal layer of skin where traditional tattoo pigments can lay dormant, thus creating a tattoo. FDA color additives/dyes often contain higher trace metals and can also include compounds not traditionally found in tattoo pigments. The only known method of creating a dye with the permanence of tattoo ink is to add metals and other fillers to the dye. During the Washington visit, the CTS warned staffers this approach should not be adopted for tattooing.
Members of the Coalition For Tattoo Safety will spend their own time, energy and money, and will sacrifice time away from their families to make sure our industry is viewed seriously, sets higher standards, self regulates, continues education and most of all SURVIVES.
A friendly reminder that ALL artists, regardless who they buy from, should refrain from criticizing companies that have been victims of these most recent FDA recalls and/or advisories. We are ALL on the same boat here and ANY one of the ink companies, whether CTS members or not, can be (and are in fact) in the crosshairs of the FDA… and that includes smaller companies that mix powder.
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