News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                  November 7, 2008

Body Piercing: Grey Bruce Youth at Risk

Public Health Concerned

Public Health is concerned with recent reports of local high school students receiving body piercing in unsafe settings. Amateur piercing can pose significant risks. Hepatitis B and C, HIV and severe bacterial skin infections can spread from person to person if items used in piercing are not properly cleaned and sterilized. Unskilled or inexperienced piercers can cause long-term, disfiguring nerve and muscle damage.

Public Health urges parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of body piercing. Young people need to understand and consider the risks.

If a decision to have a piercing is made, it should be done only at a studio inspected by Public Health. Reputable studios do not pierce anyone under 18 years without parental consent. Needles used in piercing should never be reused and must be properly disposed of in biohazard containers.

“Piercings done with unsafe equipment by untrained people could lead to the spread of very serious infections”, warns Christina Milani, Public Health Inspector. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care protocols set out specific, risk reduction guidelines for studios to follow to ensure the safety of their clients.

If parents or youth have concers or require further information, call Public Health at

519-376-9420 or visit our youth website at www.targetyouth.ca

-30-

For more information:

Christina Milani

Public Health Inspector

Grey Bruce Health Unit

1-519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1245