Q&A on the News

Q:Does tattoo ink effect people later in life? Is that ink still in their bodies?

GAIL THOMAS,STONE MOUNTAIN

A:Recent research by scientists in France and Germany found ink particles on lymph nodes in tattooed individuals while those without tattoos did not have ink particles on their lymph nodes, according to the study and past media reports.

The study was published in 2017 in the journal Scientific Reports. The researchers said they used skin and lymphatic nodes from human corpses.

“They discovered that these particles contained potentially toxic metals they believe derived from the tattoo ink. They also saw elevated levels of aluminum, chromium, iron, nickel and copper in both the lymph nodes and skin of tattooed individuals,” according to a previous AJC story on the report.

Q:Is Nevada the only state with legal prostitution?

EDDIE WEBSTER, DOUGLASVILLE

A:In the U.S., prostitution is illegal except in 10 Nevada counties, according to ProCon.org, a nonprofit nonpartisan public charity that provides research on controversial issues.

This week, Dennis Hof, a brothel owner who died Oct. 16, won the 36th Assembly District seat in Nevada, a large district that includes rural areas. Hof, a Republican, beat Democratic educator Lesia Romanov, The Associated Press reported.

“About 20 brothels operate in Nevada, mostly in rural areas. They are banned in the counties that contain Las Vegas and Reno,” the AP reported.