Where does the pigment go?
” NCTR researchers are exploring several possibilities: • The body cells may digest and destroy the ink, just as they rid the body of bacteria and other foreign matter as a defense against infection. NCTR studies show that a common pigment used in yellow tattoo inks, Pigment Yellow 74, may be broken down by enzymes, or metabolized. “Just like the body metabolizes and excretes other substances, the body may metabolize small amounts of the tattoo pigment to make it more water soluble, and out it goes,” says Howard. • Sunlight may cause the ink to break down so it is less visible. NCTR researchers have found that Pigment Yellow 74 decomposes in sunlight, breaking down into components that are colorless. The pigment components may still be there, says Howard, and we don’t know if these are potentially toxic. • The skin cells containing the ink may be killed by sunlight or laser light and ink breakdown products may disperse through the body. Research has also shown that some pigment migrate
