The online magazine New Atlas recently covered a study that will interest tattoo enthusiasts.

Advanced forms of x-rays are now able to show that nanoparticles from the ink of a tattoo can travel into the lymph system and adversely affect one's health. Lymph nodes are a part of the immune system that help fight off bacteria and viruses.

The article's author reports that they found "strong evidence of the 'long-term deposition' of toxic elements in the body, which they say could lead to chronic enlargement of the lymph nodes."

The findings illustrate that relatively little is known about the potential impurities in the color mixture applied to the skin.

The researchers plan to conduct more studies and admit they don't yet fully know how nanoparticles react in the body. They intend to explore the links between the chemical structures of tattoo pigments and adverse effects on human physiology.

It's great that everyone ensures a sterile needle before getting a tattoo... and now they can learn about the chemical composition of the colors beforehand, too. ☺️