Around 20% of New Zealanders have tattoos. Around 350 people a year in New Zealand die from melanoma.

Is there an association between melanoma and tattoo inks?

Given the huge cultural importance of tattoos/moko in Aotearoa, and the widespread uptake of tattoos by so many,  especially in younger age groups, are regulators doing everything they can to make sure what goes in our skin is as safe as it can be?

Swedish toxicologist Dr Emelie Rietz Liljedahl discusses the sometimes poor international regulation of tattoo ink ingredients and discusses her research on whether there is an association between tattoo inks and skin cancer.

Link to the study: ⁠https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10654-025-01326-6⁠