The art of Mehndi, (Henna) has been practiced for centuries in India, Africa and the Middle East.  Mummies have been found with Henna designs and it is well documented that Cleopatra herself used Henna for decorative purposes as well as her hair.  We may think that Henna tattoos are new but in actuality they've been around for over five thousand years.

We use the word Mehndi (pronounced me-hen-dee) to describe the practice of applying Henna to the body.  Mehndi is the actual word in the Hindi language that describes Henna painting, so we apply Henna but we are practicing the art of Mehndi. 

Henna is the plant, it's the Persian name for the flowering shrub Lawsonia Inermis, which grows to be 10 - 15 feet high.  It can be found in the hot climates like Egypt, India, Africa and Morocco.   Only the Henna leaves are dried and crushed into a bright green powder, then made into a paste using oils.  This paste is then applied to the skin, staining the top layer of skin only.  Henna in it's natural state will dye the skin an orange, brown  or red color, even though it looks dark green when applied, this green paste will flake off revealing a stain.  Natural Henna when applied and stained properly cannot be scrubbed off and no chemicals will take it off.  Natural Henna stains slightly deeper than Henna mixed with colored food dyes and has a longer staying power. 

Henna is considered an herb, and has long been known to posses healing qualities.   In ancient times It's been used for such ailments as headaches, stomach pains, burns, open wounds, as a fever reducer, athlete's foot and even the prevention of hair loss!  

The word "tattoo" where did it come from? What does it mean? The word "tattoo" has several definitions and origins. Surprisingly the word "tattoo" in not mentioned in the bible, just as many words we use today have evolved through the centuries, so the word "tattoo" as we now know it was described in the bible by using several other words like, mark, scratch, etch, engrave, write, and bind. This technique with which pigments are put underneath the skin has not undergone any significant change during the course of history.

The modern Webster's English definition for the word "tattoo" is "to make a mark, scratch or etch". The original words used in the bible to describe a "tattoo" are basically the same as the modern definition of the word. The ancient Hebrew or Greek words are "to mark" (tavah), "to engrave or write" (grapho), "to etch" (charagma), so although the word "tattoo" is not actually used in the bible, these words are referring to the very ancient practice of "tattooing".

The origin of tattoos can be traced to both men and women in Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Tattoos have been found on mummies dating back before Christ, but like ancient Hebrew there is no known word for "tattoo" in the ancient Egyptian language either. So looking at ancient hieroglyphics the word (menenu) has been translated as meaning "inscribed, etched or engraved" this is most likely the ancient Egyptian word used in reference to the art of tattooing. One female Egyptian mummy found, was described in hieroglyphics as having both tattoos and ornamental scarification so the word "mentenu" may also refer to any type of body modification.

The actual word "tattoo" as we know and use it today, derived from the 17th century Dutch word "tap-toe", referring to the call sounded before taps as notice for the soldiers to return to their quarters. These rapid signals originally using drums, signaled innkeepers to "turn off the taps" or "doe den tap toe". This phrase was condensed over time to "tap toe' and finally to the word we use to describe the art of body modification, "tattoo". The reason this word was used is possibly related to the rapping or tapping sound that was made by tattooist as they tapped the instruments into the skin with a small hammer. In the eighteenth century James Cook brought the word 'tatau" back to the old world, and started a kind of cultural and social phenomena, the first tattoo "craze". He wrote about the practice of the Polynesians and called the procedure "tattaw". The Polynesian word "tattaw" is derived from "ta" which means to strike. It's interesting that the term "tattooing' has with some variation in spelling, been adopted in every European language, in German it's "tatowrungz", in French it's "tatouage", and in Italian it's "tatuaggio".

The oldest known description of the actual tattoo technique, together with a most remarkable and somewhat strange formula for tattoo ink is found in "Medicae artist principles" a book by the sixth century Roman Physician Aetius. Notice that in the sixth century writings the word "tattoo" was still not in use. He writes: "Stigmates (tattoos) are the marks that are made on the face and other parts of the body. We see such marks on the hands of soldiers. To perform the procedure they use ink made of Egyptian pinewood (acacia) one pound of the bark, one pound corroded bronze, two ounces gall, and one ounce vitriol. Mix well and sift, grind the corroded bronze with vinegar and mix the other ingredients to make a powder. First wash the place to be marked with leek juice and them prick the design with pointed needles until blood is drawn. Then rub in the powdered ink". This procedure ( not the ink) is the original way tattooing was done and is still practiced in some cultures today.

The first electric tattooing machine wasn't invented until the late 1800's, the machines used today, over 100 years later remain relatively unchanged since their invention.

Ancient customs and rituals are persistent among mankind, and therefore provide us tangible evidence of a peoples origin. As already mentioned Tattoos have existed some 12,000 years before Christ. Tattoos throughout history have been used to reflect a persons family, social status, religious beliefs and tribe. What exactly is a tribe? A tribe is a social group comprising of families, clans or generations, descended from the same ancestors. In Hebrew the word tribe is "MALTEH or SHEBEH" meaning an offshoot of a race or clan, a division or branch of a people. " At the time the Israelites left, went home to their tribes and clans, each to his own inheritance." (Judges 21:24)

Tribes as diverse as the Incas, Mayans, Egyptians and Native Americans as well as early Christians, all have a history of tribal tattooing. I realize it's hard to look at these past civilizations and not refer to them as primitive. This word usually denotes an inferior quality as something not developed or uncivilized. However the word PRIMITIVE according to Webster's means "Original, elemental or natural." When we use the word primitive towards the practice of tattooing it's really stating that tattooing is "Natural", primitive is not a bad thing to be.

Ancient tribes tattooed for more than decorative purposes, married Asian women had specific visible tattoos, as well as did young girls coming of age. The Danes, Norse and Saxons being more artistic people, tattooed their family crests and symbols on their bodies with pride. Coptic Christians have been tattooing as a symbol of their faith since Christ's time. To this day tattooing is practiced in Jerusalem, with tattoo booths being set up at most of the religious festivals, Easter being the most popular.

The Iban of Malaysia, the most extensively tattooed of all the Borneo people, pass tattoo designs between generations and believe that wearing an ancestors tattoo design reinforces unity within the tribe. A tattoo for them is like a family tree, absolutely personal and something to be protected. For the American Indians such as the Yakima, Shoshonis and the Nez Pierce tattooing was practiced as a ceremonial ritual. Facial tattooing was common among the women indicating their family status and even age! The tribal markings of the Indians held religious as well as social significance and all the chiefs' families were marked with pride. It was said of the Loway tribe that they wore family tattoos the way white people wore jewelry.

Tattooing especially tribal tattooing is a way of getting back to the very ancient basics of reaffirming yourself with a personalized symbol. Placing a seal of ownership on our bodies, these seals are precious to their owners and as personal as their names. When we mark (tattoo) ourselves with God's seal we are pledging our lives as a symbol of our faith to a very real and living God. Some Christians tattoo themselves with the various tribes of the bible, some prefer crosses or pictures of the crucifixion , I've seen the last Supper beautifully done as a work of art. There is no right or wrong way to mark yourself as belonging to God. Whatever means we choose, wearing a cross around our neck or tattooing one on us, the Lord will honor us as we proclaim Him King of Kings! and Lord of Lords! "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God. You are not your own you were bought at a price, therefore honor God with your body." (1 Cor. 16:19-20) Honor is a visible sign of our reverence to God, when we pay tribute to someone we use symbolic acts such as giving awards, flowers, building monuments or placing engraved plaques at a particular site. Honoring someone is not based on our outward appearance, I hate to be so repetitive but it really is what’s on the inside that God is concerned with. Tattooing our bodies for Christ is no different then the Christian who places a sign on the door to their house that says "Jesus lives here".

If you do choose to mark (tattoo) yourself with a tribe, the following information on the 12 tribes meanings, colors, symbols and stones will hopefully help you. There is no right or wrong thing to tattoo on yourself if it's for the right reason, each of the 12 tribes being unique you should choose a tribe that you holds the most meaning for you.

According to Jewish tradition, each of the twelve tribes of Israel, had an emblem. This emblem was always displayed on their banner, the colors of the tribes were based on the precious stones on the breast piece of the High Priest. Each tribe had a unique stone, with the tribe's name engraved on it. These tribal emblems were based mainly on the biblical texts of Jacob and Moose’s blessings to the tribes. Each tribe having their own symbol, stone, rank and marching orders. (Exodus 28: 15-21)

" YOU ARE A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE BELONGING TO GOD." (1 Peter 2:9)

Lets begin with the four leading tribes, Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan represented as a lion, amen, an ox and an eagle. Under each of these were two other tribal groups.

A consistent policy
When developing policies that restrict body jewelry, it is important to relate the restriction to the essential job functions of a lifeguard. Examples include positions that exist to perform certain functions; those that a limited number of other employees are able to perform; and functions that are highly specialized or require special training or ability to perform.
 

For lifeguards, the ability to perform a rescue safely and effectively should be considered an essential job function. Restrictions designed to ensure that this function can be carried out would be considered reasonable.
 

Similarly, restrictions might be appropriate as safety precautions designed to minimize the likelihood of workplace injury. All policies should be developed prior to hire as opposed to in response to a specific individual’s piercing, and should be enforced without bias.
 

If current policies allow earring studs and plain wedding bands, employers must be careful to restrict other body adornments to those that likewise follow closely the contour of the body. A curved barbell in the eyebrow is less likely to snag than a ring, hoop or straight bar that protrudes from the body. Eyebrow rings pose a risk when removing rescue tube straps or when working with small children who may grab indiscriminately.
 

Employers can institute a policy similar to that of recent drug use and testing: “Given the public health implications, we will not hire anybody who has received a new tattoo or piercing in the past 60 days.” Typically, blood donation is prohibited for one year after body modifications.
 

Tongue piercings are never appropriate for lifeguards. Because jewelry ends can separate, tongue piercings present a choking hazard. The vascular nature of the tongue, which contains both the lingual artery and vein, means excessive bleeding even with a very small injury. Tongue piercings also never fully heal, and are likely to bleed upon irritation. The tongue swells rapidly following impact or allergic reaction, which can result in a tearing injury. Also, the American Dental Association has documented an increased incidence of dental fractures in patients with tongue piercings as a result of secondary impact injury. For these reasons, the ADA has taken a strong position against all intraoral piercings.

Recommendations
In developing restrictions on body jewelry, employers should understand that once healed, all jewelry could be safely removed. Concerns over holes closing are unfounded because people frequently remove jewelry or wear Lucite retainers, also known as invisible jewelry, when they wish to conceal the piercing. Invisible jewelry items are single captive ended and internally threaded. This means they are more likely to be pushed out or lost upon impact than to cause a traumatic amputation or avulsion.
 

Where else is body jewelry regulated? Hospitals regulate jewelry for staff and patients. Patients are commonly asked to remove all jewelry before procedures such as MRIs and surgery. The National Collegiate Athletic Association bans visible jewelry in all sports. If discovered during the course of the game, penalties are assessed. The U.S. Armed Forces regulates jewelry both in and out of uniform. In lifeguard training courses, instructors regularly ask students to remove all jewelry to reduce the risk of injury while practicing rescue skills.
 

Recommendations: Because of the increased risk of injury, all body jewelry, with the exception of medic alert tags, should be removed before the start of one’s shift. (Note: The NCAA requires athletes to tape medic alert tags to their body prior to entering play.)
 

When creating corporate policies, consider:
• What is reasonable?
 

• What is the likelihood of injury?
 

• Could the specific article of jewelry interfere with job performance?

References
• New England Aquatics Network Inc.: “Position Statement on Lifeguards and Body Jewelry” available online at www.neaquanet.com.
 

• American Dental Association: Position on Intraoral Piercings, www.ada.org.
 

• Association of Professional Piercers: www.safepiercing.org.
 

• Pace University study on “Prevalence of Body Art (Piercings and Tattoos)”: www.mayo.edu/proceedings/2002/jan/7701a4.pdf.

For pending bill about Body Piercing cut and paste the link below:

http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/78GA/Legislation/HF/02000/HF02084/Current.html

COLOR ADDITIVES FACT SHEET

Color additives have long been a part of human culture. Archaeologists date cosmetic colors as far back as 5000 B.C.

FDA separates color additives into two categories. These are colors that the agency certifies (derived primarily from petroleum and known as coal-tar dyes) and colors that are exempted from certification (obtained largely from mineral, plant, or animal sources). Only approved substances may be used to color foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

FDA requires domestic and foreign manufacturers of certain colors to submit samples from each batch of color produced. FDA scientists test each sample of these colors to confirm that each batch of the color is within established specifications. These certified colors are listed on labels as FD&C, D&C or external D&C. Using the uncertified versions of color additives that require certification is illegal in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

The color certification program is self-supporting because the law requires manufacturers to pay FDA a user fee for each pound of color the agency certifies. In Fiscal Year 2000 FDA certified more than 13 million pounds of color additives.

The 1993 FDA Consumer magazine article reprinted below provides additional information on the regulation of color additives.

FROM SHAMPOO TO CEREAL
SEEING TO THE SAFETY OF COLOR ADDITIVES

by John Henkel

It starts when you get up in the morning.

You snatch a bar of soap and scrub your face. That's likely your first dab into the palette of added tints and hues that will color much of your day. Most of us hardly notice them, but color additives surround us. They're in shampoos. In shaving cream. Toothpaste. Deodorant. Contact Lenses. Lipstick, eyeliner, and mascara. At breakfast, the colors keep coming. Juice, cereal, pastry, coffee creamer, vitamins--all are likely to have added colors.

Color additives make things attractive, appealing, appetizing. They also serve as a code of sorts, allowing us to identify products on sight, like medicine dosages and candy flavors. We might reason, for example, that a pale green candy is mint flavored, while a darker green one is lime. Based on our color analysis alone, there will probably be no surprises when we pop the candy into our mouths.

With this rainbow hodgepodge bombarding us daily, it's only natural that consumers might wonder: Just how safe are all these colors? "Very," says John E. Bailey, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors.

He explains that FDA has, over nearly a century, refined its process of monitoring and controlling color additive use. By law, industry must prove the safety of colors it sells. FDA ensures that colors on the market are safe for their intended purposes and do not cover up product inferiority or otherwise deceive consumers. FDA watches domestic color use closely, seizing products found unsafe.

Still, Bailey says, some consumers believe color additives can cause health problems or even be hazardous. This notion stems, he says, from persistent public attitudes about colors banned in the past. He says consumer confidence in the safety of all colors can be shaken when FDA removes a color from the market. But he emphasizes: "I think we can say with assurance that today's colors are safe if used properly and that consumers need not be worried."

YELLOW MEANS CAUTION

Two categories make up FDA's list of permitted colors: those the agency certifies by batch (derived primarily from petroleum and coal sources) and ones exempt from batch certification (obtained largely from plant, animal, or mineral sources--fruit juice, carmine, and titanium dioxide, for example). Colors found to be potentially hazardous have been purged from the list of permissible additives. What remains is a wide color spectrum approved for use in foods, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, cosmetics, or in medical devices such as surgical sutures and contact lenses.

Though these colors have a good safety record, one commonly used additive reportedly has prompted minor adverse reactions in some people. It is FD&C Yellow No. 5, listed as tartrazine on medicine labels, a color found widely in beverages, desserts, processed vegetables, drugs, makeup, and many other products. FDA certifies more than 2 million pounds of it yearly.

In 1986, an FDA advisory committee concluded that Yellow No. 5 may cause itching or hives in a small population sub-group. This kind of skin reaction usually is not a serious one, says Linda Tollefson, D.V.M., an FDA epidemiologist "Reactions are classified as hypersensitive and are not true allergic reactions, which would be more severe."

Nonetheless, since 1980 (for drugs) and 1981 (for foods), FDA has required all products containing Yellow No. 5 to list the color on their labels so consumers sensitive to the dye can avoid it. (As of May 8, 1993, labels must list all certified colors as part of the requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990.)

A CERTIFIED SUCCESS

FDA requires domestic and foreign certifiable color manufacturers to submit samples taken from every batch of color produced. The agency has listed each certifiable color based on a specific chemical formula shown to produce no harmful effects in laboratory animals.

Each color has chemical "specifications" that place restrictions on the levels of impurities allowed in the additive. In some cases, these limitations are designed to ensure that the color contains no cancer-causing substances. Using chromatography and other sophisticated analytical techniques, FDA scientists probe sample compositions to confirm that each batch is within these limitations.

"We analyze every batch because every batch is a little different from the one before it," says Bailey. He explains that complex organic chemical reactions occurring during manufacturing can throw off a sample's composition. It's like baking a cake: Even though you follow a recipe closely, the cake turns out just a little different each time.

With certifiable colors, a shift in composition can mean rejection of an entire batch. In fiscal year 1992, of 3,943 batches tested, the agency rejected 40. FDA also regularly inspects color manufacturers and end users such as candy makers.

FDA is especially vigilant in monitoring products from foreign countries, which may contain color additives that are illegal domestically. The agency regularly seizes entire product shipments that contain prohibited colors. Often, this detective work comes easily. FDA, through its "import alerts," flags certain products. "You look for a pattern," says Bailey.

The batch certification program supports itself because the law requires manufacturers to pay FDA a user fee for every pound of color the agency certifies. "We like to think of batch certification as a government success story," Bailey says.

THE RED SCARE

In 1960, amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 added the so-called Delaney anti-cancer clause to FDA's legal mandate. Among other things, the clause prohibits marketing any color additive the agency has found to cause cancer in animals or humans, regardless of amount.

In recent years, regulators have faced a dilemma in light of technological advances that enable scientists to identify smaller and smaller concentrations of a substance and conduct more sensitive toxicological tests. Are such tiny amounts a health threat? Scientists have yet to answer this question. Congress has held hearings to examine the pros and cons of liberalizing the Delaney clause. At press time, debates on the issue were in progress.

FDA applied the Delaney clause in 1990 when it outlawed several uses of the strawberry-toned FD&C Red No. 3. The banned uses include cosmetics and externally applied drugs, as well as uses of the color's non-water-soluble "lake." FDA previously had allowed these "provisional" uses while studies were in progress to evaluate the color's safety. Research later showed large amounts of the color causes thyroid tumors in male rats.

Though FDA viewed Red No. 3 cancer risks as small--about 1 in 100,000 over a 70-year lifetime--the agency banned provisional listings because of Delaney directives. At the same time, Red No. 3 has "permanent" listings for food and drug uses that are still allowed although the agency has announced plans to propose revoking these uses as well. For now, Red No. 3 can be used in foods and oral medications. Products such as maraschino cherries, bubble gum, baked goods, and all sorts of snack foods and candy may contain Red No. 3.

According to the International Association of Color Manufacturers, Red No. 3 is widely used in industry and hard to replace. It makes a very close match for primary red, which is important in creating color blends. It doesn't bleed, so drug companies use it to color pills with discernible shades for identification.

If Red No. 3 joins the ranks of colors forbidden for all uses, it won't be the first FD&C Red in recent years to be pulled from the market. FDA banned FD&C Red No. 2, a tint that continues to be an enigma, in 1976.

In the early 1970s, data from Russian studies raised questions about Red No. 2's safety. Several subsequent studies showed no hazards. FDA conducted its own tests, which were inconclusive. The consumer-oriented Health Research Group petitioned FDA to ban the color, while congressional and public interest mounted.

FDA turned the matter over to its Toxicology Advisory Committee, which evaluated numerous reports and decided there was no evidence of a hazard. The committee then asked FDA to conduct follow-up analyses. Agency scientists evaluated biological data and concluded that "it appears that feeding FD&C Red No. 2 at a high dosage results in a statistically significant increase" in malignant tumors in female rats.

There still was no positive proof of either potential danger or safety. FDA ultimately decided to ban the color because it had not been shown to be safe. The agency based its decision in part on the presumption that the color might cause cancer.

The judgment had a profound effect on consumer attitudes toward certifiable colors, says FDA's John E. Bailey. "The Red No. 2 decision will always be with us, he says. For example, some candy manufacturers reacted by removing red-colored pieces from their products, even if there was no Red No. 2 present. They were afraid sales would plummet because of public perception that red candies were dangerous.

Though long gone from U.S. shelves, products tinted with Red No. 2 still can be found in Canada and Europe. Whether the color is gone forever in the United States remains to be seen. FDA and industry officials say it could stage a comeback. Industry could petition FDA to list Red No. 2 as a certifiable color if animal study data adequately show safety. If FDA then agrees, consumers could once again be munching on candies and using other products tinted with the deep-red dye.

ANIMAL-LESS STUDIES?

Because of the cost, it is unlikely that industry will commission new animal studies to measure Red No. 2's safety. But advances in toxicological trial methods could enable scientists to assess potential hazards without using animals. Technology is moving toward a time when chemical substances could be evaluated accurately with a battery of short-term tests conducted in the test tube. Such analyses would greatly shorten the time and expense of evaluating not only colors but other food additives and environmental chemicals.

These test tube trials are not here yet. But if and when they arrive, they may have government and industry taking another look at certain color additives, including Red No. 2.

As for the colors that remain in use, consumers can rest assured that color additives are among the most scrutinized of all food ingredients. Next time you quaff a glass of red fruit punch or pop a blue pill, consider that those colors have been studied, studied, and restudied, sometimes dozens of times. And remember that FDA inspects every batch of certifiable colors used in consumer products.

You may, however, want to avoid consuming huge quantities of any one color additive. As Bailey says: "Good sense is the best policy. As with many other food ingredients, don't overuse any one product. Practice everything in moderation."

COLOR ADDITIVE TERMS

• allura Red AC - the common name for uncertified FD&C Red No. 40

   

• certifiable color additives - colors manufactured from petroleum and coal sources listed in the Code of Federal Regulations for use in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices

   

• coal-tar dyes - coloring agents originally derived from coal sources

   

• D&C - a prefix designating that a certifiable color has been approved for use in drugs and cosmetics

   

• erythrosine - the common name of FD&C Red No. 3

   

• exempt color additives - colors derived primarily from plant, animal and mineral (other than coal and petroleum) sources that are exempt from FDA certification

   

• Ext. D&C - a prefix designating that a certifiable color may be used only in externally applied drugs and cosmetics

   

• FD&C - a prefix designating that a certified color can be used in foods, drugs or cosmetics

   

• indigotine - the common name for uncertified FD&C Blue No. 2

   

• lakes - water-insoluble forms of certifiable colors that are more stable than straight dyes and ideal for product in which leaching of the color is undesirable (coated tablets and hard candies, for example)

   

• permanent listing - a list of allowable colors determined by tests to be safe for human consumption under regulatory provisions

   

• provisional listing - a list of colors, originally numbering about 200, that FDA allows to continue to be used pending acceptable safety data.

   

• straight dye - certifiable colors that dissolve in water and are manufactured as powders, granules, liquids, or other special forms (used in beverages, baked goods, and confections, for example)

   

• tartrazine - a common name for uncertified FD&C Yellow No. 5.

For a complete list of all colors approved for use in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices contact:

A COLORFUL HISTORY

Color additives have long been a part of human culture. Archaeologists date cosmetic colors as far back as 5000 B.C. Ancient Egyptian writings tell of drug colorants, and historians say food colors likely emerged around 1500 B.C.

Through the years, color additives typically came from substances found in nature, such as turmeric, paprika and saffron. But as the 20th century approached, new kinds of colors appeared that offered marketers wider coloring possibilities. These colors, many whipped up in the chemist's lab, also created a range of safety problems.

In the late 1800s, some manufacturers colored products with potentially poisonous mineral- and metal-based compounds. Toxic chemicals tinted certain candies and pickles, while other color additives contained arsenic or similar poisons. Historical records show that injuries, even deaths, resulted from tainted colorants. Food producers also deceived customers by employing color additives to mask poor product quality or spoiled stock.

By the turn of the century, unmonitored color additives had spread through the marketplace in all sorts of popular foods, including ketchup, mustard, jellies, and wine. Sellers at the time offered more than 80 artificial coloring agents, some intended for dyeing textiles, not foods. Many color additives had never been tested for toxicity or other adverse effects.

As the 1900s began, the bulk of chemically synthesized colors were derived from aniline, a petroleum product that in pure form is toxic. Originally, these were dubbed "coal-tar" colors because the starting materials were obtained from bituminous coal. (These formulations still are used today--albeit safely--for most certifiable color additives.)

Though colors from plant, animal and mineral sources--at one time the only coloring agents available--remained in use early in this century, manufacturers had strong economic incentives to phase them out. Chemically synthesized colors simply were easier to produce, less expensive, and superior in coloring properties. Only tiny amounts were needed. They blended nicely and didn't impart unwanted flavors to foods. But as their use grew, so did safety concerns.

In 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drugs Act. This marked the first of several laws allowing the federal government to scrutinize and control additives use. The act covered only food coloring. It was not until passage of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 that FDA's mandate included the full range of color designations consumers still can read on product packages: "FD&C" (permitted in food, drugs and cosmetic); "D&C" (for use in drugs and cosmetics) and "Ext. D&C" (colors for external-use drug and cosmetics).

Public hearings and regulations following the 1938 law gave colors the numbers that separate their hues. These letter and number combinations--FD&C Blue No. 1 or D&C Red No. 17, for example--make it easy to distinguish colors used in food, drugs or cosmetics from dyes made for textiles and other uses. Only FDA certified color additives can carry these special designations.

The law also created a listing of color "lakes." These water-insoluble forms of certain approved colors are used in coated tablets, cookie fillings, candies, and other products in which color bleeding could make a mess or otherwise cause problems.

Though the 1938 law did much to bring color use under strict control, nagging questions lingered about tolerance levels for color additives. One incident in the 1950s, in which scores of children contracted diarrhea from Halloween candy and popcorn colored with large amounts of FD&C Orange No. 1, led FDA to retest food colors. As a result, in 1960, the 1938 law was amended to broaden FDA's scope and allow the agency to set limits on how much color could be safely added to products.

FDA also instituted a pre-marketing approval process, which requires color producers to ensure, before marketing, that products are safe and properly labeled. Should safety questions arise later, colors can be reexamined. The 1960 measures put color additives already on the market into a "provisional" listing. This allowed continued use of the colors pending FDA's conclusions on safety.

From the original 1960 catalog of about 200 provisionally listed colors, which included straight colors and lakes, only lakes of some colors remain on the provisional list. Industry withdrew or FDA banned many, while the rest became permanently listed and are still used. Some of these colors, derived from coal or petroleum sources, are subject to certification and carry the F,D, or C prefix. Others, exempt from certification, are pigments and colors derived from plant, animal and mineral sources. They are found in a myriad of products--from the caramel that tints cola drinks to the orange annatto that gives color to cheese.

FDA certified over 11.5 million pounds of color additives last fiscal year. Of all those colors straight dye FD&C Red No. 40 is by far the most popular. Manufacturers use this orange-red color in all sorts of gelatins, beverages, dairy products and condiments. FDA certified more than 3 million pounds of the dye in fiscal year 1992--almost a million pounds more than the runner-up, FD&C Yellow No. 5.

- J.H.

John Henkel is a staff writer for FDA Consumer.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA CONSUMER, December 1993

TATTOOS and PERMANENT MAKEUP

The inks used in tattoos and permanent makeup (also known as micro pigmentation) and the pigments in these inks are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives. However, FDA has not attempted to regulate the use of tattoo inks and the pigments used in them and does not control the actual practice of tattooing. Rather, such matters have been handled through local laws and by local jurisdictions.

But with the growth in popularity of tattooing and permanent makeup, FDA has begun taking a closer look at related safety questions. Among the issues under consideration are tattoo removal, adverse reactions to tattoo colors, and infections that result from tattooing.

Another concern is the increasing variety of pigments and diluents being used in tattooing -- more than fifty different pigments and shades, and the list continues to grow. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none is approved for injection into the skin. Using an unapproved color additive in a tattoo ink makes the ink adulterated. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.

Nevertheless, many individuals choose to undergo tattooing in its various forms. For some, it is an aesthetic choice or an initiation rite. Some choose permanent makeup as a time saver or because they have physical difficulty applying regular, temporary makeup. For others, tattooing is an adjunct to reconstructive surgery, particularly of the face or breast, to simulate natural pigmentation. People who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia (a form of hair loss) may choose to have "eyebrows" tattooed on, while people with vitiligo (a lack of pigmentation in areas of the skin) may try tattooing to help camouflage the condition.

Whatever their reason, consumers should be aware of the risks involved in order to make an informed decision.

What Risks Are Involved in Tattooing?

The following are the primary complications that can result from permanent tattooing:

• Infection. Un sterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as hepatitis. The risk of infection is the reason the American Association of Blood Banks requires a one-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood.

  It is extremely important to make sure that all tattooing equipment is clean and sterilized before use. Even if the needles are sterilized or never have been used, it is important to understand that in some cases the equipment that holds the needles cannot be sterilized reliably due to its design. In addition, the person who receives a tattoo must be sure to care for the tattooed area properly during the first week or so after the pigments are injected.

• Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible. See "The Most Common Problem: Dissatisfaction" and "Removal Techniques," below.
• Allergic reactions. Although allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years.
• Granulomas. These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
• Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids -- scars that grow beyond normal boundaries -- you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin, and according to Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC) dermatologist Ella Toombs, M.D., tattooing or micro pigmentation is a form of trauma. Micro pigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
• MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.

   

  There also have been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. Mascara may produce a similar effect. The difference is that mascara is easily removable.

  The cause of these complications is uncertain. Some have theorized that they result from an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments.

  However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions, avoid complications, and assure the best results.

The Most Common Problem: Dissatisfaction

According to Dr. Toombs, the most common problem that develops with tattoos is the desire to remove them. Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be very difficult.

Skill levels vary widely among people who perform tattooing. According to an article by J.K. Chiang, S. Barsky, and D.M. Bronson in the June 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the main complication with eyelid tattooing is improperly placed pigment. You may want to ask the person performing the procedure for references and ask yourself how willing you are to risk permanently wearing someone else's mistake.

Although tattoos may be satisfactory at first, they sometimes fade. Also, if the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance.

Another cause of dissatisfaction is that the human body changes over time, and styles change with the season. The permanent makeup that may have looked flattering when first injected may later clash with changing skin tones and facial or body contours. People who plan to have facial cosmetic surgery are advised that the appearance of their permanent makeup may become distorted. The tattoo that seemed stylish at first may become dated and embarrassing. And changing tattoos or permanent makeup is not as easy as changing your mind.

Removal Techniques

Methods for removing tattoos include laser treatments, abrasion, scarification, and surgery. Some people attempt to camouflage an objectionable tattoo with a new one. Each approach has drawbacks:

• Laser treatments can lighten many tattoos, some more easily and effectively than others. Generally, several visits are necessary over a span or weeks or months, and the treatments can be expensive. Some individuals experience hypo pigmentation -- a lightening of the natural skin coloring -- in the affected area. Laser treatments also can cause some tattoo pigments to change to a less desirable shade.

  Unfortunately, knowing what pigments are in your tattoo or permanent makeup has always been difficult and has become more so as the variety of tattoo inks has multiplied. Inks are often sold by brand name only, not by chemical composition. Because the pigments are sold to tattoo parlors and salons, not on a retail basis to consumers, manufacturers are not required by law to list the ingredients on the labels. Furthermore, because manufacturers may consider the identity and grade of their pigments "proprietary," neither the tattooist nor the customer may be able to obtain this information.

  There also have been reports of individuals suffering allergic reactions after laser treatments to remove tattoos, apparently because the laser caused allergenic substances in the tattoo ink to be released into the body.

   

• Dermabrasion involves abrading layers of skin with a wire brush or diamond fraise (a type of sanding disc). This process itself may leave a scar.
• Salabrasion, in which a salt solution is used to remove the pigment, is sometimes used in conjunction with dermabrasion, but has become less common.
• Scarification involves removing the tattoo with an acid solution and creating a scar in its place.
• Surgical removal sometimes involves the use of tissue expanders (balloons inserted under the skin, so that when the tattoo is cut away, there is less scarring). Larger tattoos may require repeated surgery for complete removal.
• Camouflaging a tattoo entails the injection of new pigments either to form a new pattern or cover a tattoo with skin-toned pigments. Dr. Toombs notes, however, that injected pigments tend not to look natural because they lack the skin's natural translucence.

What About Temporary Tattoos?

Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Most contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin. However, the agency has issued an import alert for several foreign-made temporary tattoos.

According to OCAC Consumer Safety Officer Allen Halper, the temporary tattoos subject to the import alert are not allowed into the United States because they don't carry the FDA-mandated ingredient labels or they contain colors not permitted by FDA for use in cosmetics applied to the skin. FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to temporary tattoos.

 Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin. Also, henna typically produces a reddish brown tint, raising questions about what ingredients are added to produce the varieties of colors labeled as "henna," such as "black henna" and "blue henna."

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

Mehndi is a religious art form and many believe that to mean no restriction can be imposed on the ancient religious art form.....

TATTOOS and PERMANENT MAKEUP

The inks used in tattoos and permanent makeup (also known as micro pigmentation) and the pigments in these inks are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives. However, FDA has not attempted to regulate the use of tattoo inks and the pigments used in them and does not control the actual practice of tattooing. Rather, such matters have been handled through local laws and by local jurisdictions.

But with the growth in popularity of tattooing and permanent makeup, FDA has begun taking a closer look at related safety questions. Among the issues under consideration are tattoo removal, adverse reactions to tattoo colors, and infections that result from tattooing.

Another concern is the increasing variety of pigments and diluents being used in tattooing -- more than fifty different pigments and shades, and the list continues to grow. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none is approved for injection into the skin. Using an unapproved color additive in a tattoo ink makes the ink adulterated. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.

Nevertheless, many individuals choose to undergo tattooing in its various forms. For some, it is an aesthetic choice or an initiation rite. Some choose permanent makeup as a time saver or because they have physical difficulty applying regular, temporary makeup. For others, tattooing is an adjunct to reconstructive surgery, particularly of the face or breast, to simulate natural pigmentation. People who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia (a form of hair loss) may choose to have "eyebrows" tattooed on, while people with vitiligo (a lack of pigmentation in areas of the skin) may try tattooing to help camouflage the condition.

Whatever their reason, consumers should be aware of the risks involved in order to make an informed decision.

What Risks Are Involved in Tattooing?

The following are the primary complications that can result from permanent tattooing:

• Infection. Un sterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as hepatitis. The risk of infection is the reason the American Association of Blood Banks requires a one-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood.

  It is extremely important to make sure that all tattooing equipment is clean and sterilized before use. Even if the needles are sterilized or never have been used, it is important to understand that in some cases the equipment that holds the needles cannot be sterilized reliably due to its design. In addition, the person who receives a tattoo must be sure to care for the tattooed area properly during the first week or so after the pigments are injected.

• Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible. See "The Most Common Problem: Dissatisfaction" and "Removal Techniques," below.
• Allergic reactions. Although allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years.
• Granulomas. These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
• Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids -- scars that grow beyond normal boundaries -- you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin, and according to Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC) dermatologist Ella Toombs, M.D., tattooing or micro pigmentation is a form of trauma. Micro pigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
• MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.

   

  There also have been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. Mascara may produce a similar effect. The difference is that mascara is easily removable.

  The cause of these complications is uncertain. Some have theorized that they result from an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments.

  However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions, avoid complications, and assure the best results.

The Most Common Problem: Dissatisfaction

According to Dr. Toombs, the most common problem that develops with tattoos is the desire to remove them. Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be very difficult.

Skill levels vary widely among people who perform tattooing. According to an article by J.K. Chiang, S. Barsky, and D.M. Bronson in the June 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the main complication with eyelid tattooing is improperly placed pigment. You may want to ask the person performing the procedure for references and ask yourself how willing you are to risk permanently wearing someone else's mistake.

Although tattoos may be satisfactory at first, they sometimes fade. Also, if the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance.

Another cause of dissatisfaction is that the human body changes over time, and styles change with the season. The permanent makeup that may have looked flattering when first injected may later clash with changing skin tones and facial or body contours. People who plan to have facial cosmetic surgery are advised that the appearance of their permanent makeup may become distorted. The tattoo that seemed stylish at first may become dated and embarrassing. And changing tattoos or permanent makeup is not as easy as changing your mind.

Removal Techniques

Methods for removing tattoos include laser treatments, abrasion, scarification, and surgery. Some people attempt to camouflage an objectionable tattoo with a new one. Each approach has drawbacks:

• Laser treatments can lighten many tattoos, some more easily and effectively than others. Generally, several visits are necessary over a span or weeks or months, and the treatments can be expensive. Some individuals experience hypo pigmentation -- a lightening of the natural skin coloring -- in the affected area. Laser treatments also can cause some tattoo pigments to change to a less desirable shade.

  Unfortunately, knowing what pigments are in your tattoo or permanent makeup has always been difficult and has become more so as the variety of tattoo inks has multiplied. Inks are often sold by brand name only, not by chemical composition. Because the pigments are sold to tattoo parlors and salons, not on a retail basis to consumers, manufacturers are not required by law to list the ingredients on the labels. Furthermore, because manufacturers may consider the identity and grade of their pigments "proprietary," neither the tattooist nor the customer may be able to obtain this information.

  There also have been reports of individuals suffering allergic reactions after laser treatments to remove tattoos, apparently because the laser caused allergenic substances in the tattoo ink to be released into the body.

   

• Dermabrasion involves abrading layers of skin with a wire brush or diamond fraise (a type of sanding disc). This process itself may leave a scar.
• Salabrasion, in which a salt solution is used to remove the pigment, is sometimes used in conjunction with dermabrasion, but has become less common.
• Scarification involves removing the tattoo with an acid solution and creating a scar in its place.
• Surgical removal sometimes involves the use of tissue expanders (balloons inserted under the skin, so that when the tattoo is cut away, there is less scarring). Larger tattoos may require repeated surgery for complete removal.
• Camouflaging a tattoo entails the injection of new pigments either to form a new pattern or cover a tattoo with skin-toned pigments. Dr. Toombs notes, however, that injected pigments tend not to look natural because they lack the skin's natural translucence.

What About Temporary Tattoos?

Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Most contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin. However, the agency has issued an import alert for several foreign-made temporary tattoos.

According to OCAC Consumer Safety Officer Allen Halper, the temporary tattoos subject to the import alert are not allowed into the United States because they don't carry the FDA-mandated ingredient labels or they contain colors not permitted by FDA for use in cosmetics applied to the skin. FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to temporary tattoos.

 Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin. Also, henna typically produces a reddish brown tint, raising questions about what ingredients are added to produce the varieties of colors labeled as "henna," such as "black henna" and "blue henna."

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

Mehndi is a religious art form and many believe that to mean no restriction can be imposed on the ancient religious art form.....