There are a few different signs and symptoms of ink poisoning to look out for, though they depend on the type of ink being used, whether it's writing ink, printer ink, or tattoo ink. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of ingesting too much ink for writing or printing. Nervous system damage and headaches can occur from swallowing printer ink, while tattoo ink poisoning is often mistaken for symptoms of infection or allergic reaction, such as swelling, pain, and rash.
Writing ink, also called bottled ink, is the type of ink used for writing. This type of ink is considered non-toxic, as none of the ingredients are poisonous when separated or mixed together. Writing ink poisoning is very rare, as more than an ounce must be consumed before problems occur. Printer ink is slightly more toxic than normal writing ink due to the more toxic ingredients. Tattoo ink problems are more common, mainly because the ingredients are not controlled and may contain toxins.
Writing ink poisoning, while rare, can occur if more than one ounce is ingested. The main symptom of ingesting large amounts of writing ink is nausea. If nausea is severe, the body may try to get rid of the ink and vomiting may occur. Another symptom of ink ingestion is staining of the skin and teeth inside the mouth. This type of poisoning is rarely fatal, but medical attention should be sought immediately.
Printer ink poisoning is significantly more common than writing ink poisoning. This type of ink contains a toxic ingredient called p-anisidine, which is responsible for the different colors of the ink. If a large part of the printer ink is ingested, this ingredient can cause damage to the nervous system. Headaches and nausea are also common symptoms of printer ink poisoning.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the possibility of tattoo ink poisoning. Many people argue that tattoo poisoning is impossible because the needle and ink never reach the bloodstream. When people talk about tattoo poisoning, they are more than likely talking about an allergic reaction or infection from the tattoo.
A rash, inflammation, and flaky or dry skin are some symptoms associated with tattoo ink poisoning. These are actually symptoms of an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. It is almost always caused by a chemical used to color the ink, while black ink almost never causes a reaction.
Occasionally a tattoo can cause swelling, redness and even pus, which can be very alarming and is often associated with tattoo ink poisoning. Here again, this is not poisoning, but a bacterial infection. Infections can be prevented by making sure the tattoo artist uses a sterile needle. Most infections are mild and go away on their own, but serious infections such as staph, hepatitis, and even HIV can be transmitted.