DEAR ABBY: I am writing in reference to your column on tattoos. I am a scientist, and it disturbs me that no one seems to be aware of the medical reasons for not getting tattooed.
The dye used contains iron salts. These, when subjected to the high magnetic field on an MRI, generates heat -- which can burn the flesh. Therefore, when you have a tattoo, you are eliminating an important medical tool for diagnosing problems.
Abby, please alert young people to an important consideration before getting tattooed. -- T.R. NEWMAN, PORT RICHEY, FLA.
DEAR MR. NEWMAN: With pleasure. According to my source, there are vegetable-based dyes and iron-based dyes used in tattooing. Wise consumers should determine what kind of material they will be getting. That way they can warn their doctor or MRI technician in advance, and there will be no surprises or unpleasant reactions in the middle of a procedure.