ENROLLED
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 88
BY REPRESENTATIVE MOORE
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To urge and request the United States Food and Drug Administration to regulate tattoo ink.
WHEREAS, approximately one-third of Americans report having one or more
tattoos; and
WHEREAS, the global tattoo market was valued at one billion eight hundred ninety
million dollars in 2022, and the global tattoo removal industry was valued at four hundred
eighty seven million dollars in 2019; and
WHEREAS, more than two-thirds of Americans report the reason they obtain a tattoo
is to honor or remember someone or something; and
WHEREAS, approximately one-quarter of Americans report regretting getting one
or more of their tattoos; and
WHEREAS, nearly one-third of Americans who do not have tattoos say that seeing
a tattoo on someone gives them more of a negative impression than positive impression of
that person; and
WHEREAS, traditionally, the health risks associated with obtaining a tattoo include
the short-term risk of bacterial infections and allergic reactions and the long-term risks of
contracting a disease due to unsanitary conditions; and
WHEREAS, more recently, researchers have begun studying to determine if there
is a link between tattoos and skin cancer; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the European Union promulgated rules to regulate certain
substances in tattoo ink and permanent make-up that contain carcinogenic precursors and
other chemicals that may be harmful to human health; and
Page 1 of 2 HCR NO. 88 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, researchers at Binghamton University have found evidence to suggest
that color additives used in tattoo inks may contain molecules that may convert to known
carcinogens by bacteria or when exposed to ultraviolet light; and
WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration traditionally regulates
materials that come in contact with skin such as cosmetics; and
WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration has the authority to
regulate tattoo ink; and
WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration released nonbinding
guidance to assist tattoo ink manufacturers and distributors recognize situations in which
tattoo ink may be contaminated with microorganisms; and
WHEREAS, despite a potential health risk, the United States Food and Drug
Administration has not promulgated any rules or taken any traditional regulatory
enforcement action to protect consumers from tattoo ink health complications.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request the United States Food and Drug Administration to regulate color additives
used in tattoo ink in order to promote the health and safety of United States citizens.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
commissioner of food and drugs of the United States Food and Drug Administration.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Page 2 of 2