Georgia Tattoo Practice Exam

What type of material is NOT permitted for jewelry inserted in body art procedures?

1. Dense low porosity plastic

2. Stainless steel

3. Solid gold lower than 14 karat

4. Niobium

The correct answer is: Solid gold lower than 14 karat

In body art procedures, it is crucial to use jewelry that minimizes the risk of allergic reactions, infections, and other complications. Solid gold jewelry must be of a certain purity to ensure it is safe for use in body modifications. Jewelry that is lower than 14 karats contains a higher proportion of base metals, which can contribute to skin irritation or allergic reactions. Using gold that is less than 14 karats can introduce those undesirable effects due to the presence of impurities and other mixed metals, which can corrode or react negatively with body chemistry. Therefore, jewelry for body art procedures should be made of materials that are biocompatible and safe for long-term wear, with 14 karats or higher being a standard recommendation. On the other hand, materials such as dense low porosity plastic, stainless steel, and niobium are generally accepted for body jewelry due to their biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, which makes them suitable for insertion in body piercings. Hence, solid gold lower than 14 karats is the only material listed that is not permitted for use in these procedures.