Red Tattoo Ink

Is mercury (cinnabar) still used in any red ink? Most medical documentation on the Internet seems to indicate that it is, but I have seen FAQs indicating that they stopped using it about 20 years ago. Not to be a jerk, but please only answer if you know for sure (have actually seen a current MSDS for red ink or have seen other documentation for a specific ink) that it does or does not. Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of speculation on this without anything factual that I have seen. Thanks in advance.

some inks still have shit in them that is not supposed to go in your body, (like zinc, chromium, copper, iron and even lead) even though the amounts may be minimal. these inks have been used, and usually there is no problem, but there are reports of irritation, allergic reaction and even infections. and also when choosing to get a tattoo lasered, these particals will be released and absorbed into the body. so choosing a good ink is very important, don't just buy anything from ebay.. go to renowned suppliers and you're sure that you're safe. in europe they have become very strict and every ink nowadays has to come with a msds sheet with all ingredients and an expiration date.. if it says on the msds sheet that its not in there than its not, every ink (brand) is different..

Thanks for the info. It seems like the UK has their shit together a lot better than in the US. I don't think an MSDS is required here and if they are even available they are it sounds like they are difficult to obtain.

all inks contain metal, some contain plastic powder. All this substances are foreign to the human body and may cause reactions to certain people. Red is not the only problematic ink. Unfortunately there is no "natura"l pigment yet. In order for the ink to stay it needs to be hard and solid enough to avoid being disposed by your lymphatic system.that's why most inks contain metal salts/ particles which is what it stays in your body. The mixing agent that most inks use to bond these metal particles is absorbed and disposed by your body right away.