Question 1

is ink in pens toxic?

Accepted Answer

Probably not in U.S.: Most pen ink in the U.S. Is called non-toxic, because it is well known that kids put pens in their mouths. However, to be safe, one should buy pens marked non-toxic, or check the manufacturer's website. Better yet, don't put things into the mouth (except food/drink).

Question 2

is printer ink toxic? can it harm my skin?

Accepted Answer

Printer ink: is toxic, as is any chemical.  It is unlikely to harm your skin.  If you have no symptoms please relax.  If you have symptoms please see your doctor.  If you are generally anxious about health matters you MAY have a phobia that a clinical psychologist can help with.  Peace and good health.

Question 3

i got a tattoo with non-toxic ink from walmart, i am worried i may have lead poisoning now. is it possible? how much lead may i have in me?

Accepted Answer

See below: There would not be any lead in  the ink.

Question 4

stabbed by a pen, ink under skin, should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Some inks can cause a permanent mark which could be removed if it is on an obvious or embarrasing place.  Many inks are water soluble and so the spot will fade.  Infection is quite unlikey but be diligent and seek help if there is local redness or pain after a day or two.

Question 5

can you tell me could i get tetanus from a pen ink in my wound?

Accepted Answer

No: You get tetanus when a wound is infected by tetanus germs that make a toxin.Tetanus spores are widely distributed in nature, more often found in soil, but also in other areas. A pen ink would not carry tetanus spores, yet a wound created by a puncture wound (from a pen) could be contaminated from another source.

Question 6

is pen ink in your wound likely to need a tetanus shot?

Accepted Answer

Any wound at risk: The development of tetanus requires a breach in the integrity of the skin(a cut) and contamination of that cut by tetanus spores. A clean blade or object, cutting contaminated skin, or a clean wound  touched by contaminated fingers, sets the stage for spores to germinate in the wound and produce tetanus.The wound is the issue not the ink. A booster within the last 10 yrs is protective.

Question 7

can i die from a home made tattoo with pen ink?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I had a patient who almost did, in fact. He drew up ink from a pen into his Insulin syringe and proceeded to tattoo himself. Within some days he presented with sepsis secondary to staph aureus and nearly died. Icu for a month and complications from pancreatitis. This isn't an unusual story for someone who wants to take that risk. Not worth your life.

Question 8

my skin is reacting to pen ink. could it be an allergy?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Given your history you could be suffering from irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Contact allergens may be found at home or in the workplace and may include metals, glues, plastics, rubber, fragrances, topical antibiotics, preservatives, and chemicals used in hair-care and cosmetic products. Suggest avoidance of pen ink on skin if possible. See Allergist for further workup.

Question 9

can i get ink poisoning by drawing on myself with a pen?

Accepted Answer

No likely: Pens are safe and would not be around if they made people sick from writing on themselves. Write on paper.

Question 10

can you die from a home made tattoo with pen ink?  and do a lot of people die from it?

Accepted Answer

No: No. Not likely that big of a deal!

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Doctor answers about:

Is ink in pens toxic

A member asked:

Is ink in pens toxic?

A member asked:

Is printer ink toxic? can it harm my skin?

A member asked:

I got a tattoo with non-toxic ink from walmart, i am worried i may have lead poisoning now. is it possible? how much lead may i have in me?

A member asked:

Stabbed by a pen, ink under skin, should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Can you tell me could i get tetanus from a pen ink in my wound?

A member asked:

Is pen ink in your wound likely to need a tetanus shot?

A member asked:

Can i die from a home made tattoo with pen ink?

A member asked:

My skin is reacting to pen ink. could it be an allergy?

A member asked:

Can i get ink poisoning by drawing on myself with a pen?

A member asked:

Can you die from a home made tattoo with pen ink? and do a lot of people die from it?

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