Body art ethsusiasts should take into account new risks involved in getting a tatoo. A new research conducted by Leslie Wagner, a chemistry student in Northern Arizona University, shows that besides dirty needles, there is yet another potentially dangerous conponent - ink.

According to Reuters, an analyses of 17 tatoo inks from different manufacturers, showed that they contained a number of different metals, such as nickel and copper. Is hasn't been specified how much metal and of which kind may be contained in different tatoo inks, and whether they constitute any threat to health.

The US Food and Drug Administration which tests color additives used in foods, make-up, perfumes, drugs, and a number of other products, does not regulate inks used in tatooing. Despite the fact that many of those who opt to have a tatoo, believe that the inks injected into their skin have been approved by health regulating authorities and meet certain standards, it is still not even clear what componets go into an ink of a given color. The manufacturers are not required to list the components on the product labels, because the inks are bought by tatoo salons and are not sold directly to consumers.

The tests to determine the identities of metals in tatoo inks as well as potential health hazard are still underway, Wagner told Reuters.