Tattoos and body piercing – risky art? Health commissioner cautions patrons about dangers
April 01, 2004
By: Westchester County Health Department
While everyone has a right to self expression, people should be
aware of the dangers that may lurk in some tattoo and body piercing
parlors.
In 2002, the New York State Legislature passed a law to set up
regulations and to require licensure of tattoo parlors and body
piercing establishments. However, due to budget restrictions,
funding to set up regulations and to begin to license tattoo parlors
and body piercing establishments was not included in Governor
Pataki’s 2004 - 2005 budget proposal. This does not create a major
public health threat but it prompts a reminder of possible dangers
to patrons who are unaware of the risks involved in getting
permanent body art.
“It’s important that residents know that even in today’s modern
tattoo facilities where there is a good deal of emphasis on
cleanliness and sterilization of equipment, there are still health
risks associated with tattooing and body piercing,” said Dr . Joshua
Lipsman, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. “Health
complications from tattooing and body piercing can range from
allergic reactions to contracting a life-altering virus. If proper
infection-control procedures are overlooked, there is the risk for
contracting infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV,” added
Dr. Lipsman.
Infection is the most common negative result from tattooing.
Non-sterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious
diseases. It is critical that all tattooing equipment is thoroughly
cleaned and sterilized before use. Even if the needles are
sterilized or never have been used, it is important to understand
that in some cases the equipment that holds the needles cannot be
sterilized reliably due to its design. Individuals can also suffer
allergic reactions to the pigments used in tattoo dyes.
A body piercing can also result in infection. Other complications
can vary depending on the area where an individual is pierced. For
instance, navel piercings are common sites for infection because
tight-fitting clothes inhibit air circulation, allowing moisture to
collect around the piercing site. Some individuals may react to the
metal used for the piercing. A person who has been pierced is
susceptible to swollen glands, to metal-allergic skin inflammation,
and to having the jewelry implant itself in the skin.
At a minimum, a person who receives either a tattoo or a body
piercing must be sure to care for the area properly after the
procedure, to limit the chances of bacterial infection. However, no
amount of personal cleanliness can prevent infection by hepatitis
and HIV viruses from an unsanitary establishment.
“Until funding is available for the public health law requiring
specific regulations and licensing of body artists, consumers should
use caution and shop around for a clean and health-conscious tattoo
parlor or body piercing establishment,” stated Dr. Lipsman. “Just as
the tattoos are permanent, so are some of the possible negative
health consequences.”
For more information, please visit the Health Department’s
website at www.westchestergov.com/health or call (914) 813-5000.
Also See: [ Tattoos and piercings now equally represented by men and women ]
[ Ears are still the most popular piercing, but navels are closing in ]
[ Female piercing needs the right jewelry ]
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