News Release                                                

                                                                                                                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                          May 18, 2012

Tattoos and Piercing: Are you safe?

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health is asking anyone who received a tattoo at a private residence on Harris Street in Guelph by Shannyn Moss or Chris Haines to contact WDG Health Unit. The home-based tattoo shop has never been inspected and it is possible the equipment used for tattooing was not sterile. For those who received a tattoo at this location, testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV is recommended.

The two individuals also provided tattoos in Barrie and Collingwood; however the exact location is unknown. Anyone who received a tattoo from these individuals in either Barrie or Collingwood should contact their local Public Health.

This serves to remind people to seek out reputable artists and shops to get a tattoo. Tattoos done in private homes or at a tattoo party are not inspected or recommended. 

It is important for anyone considering a tattoo or piercing to be aware of the following:

• Tattoo and piercing establishments are inspected each year by Public Health; private homes are not inspected
• New sterile needles must be used for each tattoo or piercing
• A reputable artist will ask for parental consent for those under 18 years of age
• The artist always washes his/her hands thoroughly with soap and water and puts on a new pair of gloves before performing any tattoo or piercing
• The artist does not re-dip utensils into ink that will be used on other people
• Jewellery is always packaged and should be made of high-grade, sterile, surgical steel or gold
• A piercing gun is only to be used to pierce ear lobes (the fleshy part of the ear); any other type of piercing must be done using a new, individually packaged, sterile needle
• Both verbal and written instructions must be provided, giving you information on how to take care of your new tattoo or piercing until it has healed

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Infectious Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1230

k.sweiger@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca