Area's Only All Eco-Friendly Tattoo Shop Open in Boonville
By: Jason Claspell
Updated: July 16, 2010
Being inked up isn't as taboo as it once was.
It's highlighted across our culture in magazines and popular TV shows.
But how safe is the ink used in tattooing?
Fox 7 talks with an area tattoo artist about how the industry is becoming more eco-friendly.
Tattoo Artist Robert Hepner started tattooing in 1979.
Tattoo Bob is how the industry refers to him, and he's traveled the world to show off his skills as an artist.
He's met and tattooed famous people over the years and he's been featured in just about every industry magazine there is.
Hepner just opened an eco-friendly shop called "Skin Illusions Tattoos" in Boonville.
He says the industry standard ink he's always used has additives like mercury and animal bi-products; fillers Hepner says can have side affects.
Hepner switched products when he found out about an eco-friendly tattoo ink made from plants.
The relatively new all organic ink doesn't have the additives Hepner says can be harmful.
Being a green tattoo artist is something Hepner is passing down to his son Tony.
He says tattoos are more popular than ever, and as the industry grows, artist have to grow with it in a way that's safe for the customer and good for the environment.
To date the FDA hasn't approved any tattoo or permanent make-up ink.
Hepner says that may change in the near future for organic ink.
