Danger from temporary tattoos

Temporary tattoos are today labelled a major health risk after inspectors found they could lead to deadly diseases.

Health and safety officials say the equipment used cannot be cleaned properly, exposing customers to potentially fatal illnesses. They have issued an urgent order to salons to take some machines out of use.

Today health officials highlighted the "serious implications" of having semi-permanent tattoos and warned customers they could contract hepatitis or HIV, even if salons use new needles.

Thousands of people in Britain have temporary tattoos every year, with semi-permanent make-up, such as eye liner, particularly popular among young women.

Unlike traditional tattoos, the decorations are injected into the surface layers of the skin only and fade within months. Latest fears centre on the so-called micropigmentation machines used to inject the dye. Although reputable salons always change needles between customers, inspectors say body fluids such as blood often remain.

Inspector Helen Thackray said: "Although some parts, such as needles, are routinely replaced between clients, pigment residues may be deposited in the upper regions of the equipment during use. Since pigment may mix with blood and body fluids, this leaves serious implications for cross contamination, including HIV or hepatitis."

Ms Thackray said: "Young people are attracted to temporary tattoos without very much thought about the possibly tragic consequences."

Professor Norman Noah, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "Large outbreaks have occurred from inadequately sterilised instruments used for cosmetic piercing. It would be tragic if someone dies after what is basically a fashion procedure."