Health scares shuts tattoo studio

[Rat-tat-tat]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/w...ds/5253726.stm

A tattooist in the Black Country has been closed down after an inspection found poor standards of cleanliness.

Dudley Council's environmental health officers have prohibited Kud Doo tattoo studio in Spencer's Indoor Market, Stourbridge, from operating.

It followed an inspection last week which also found inadequate infection control measures, said the council.

The council said byelaws for tattooing were enforced to ensure premises and fittings were clean.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for the environment, said: "Tattooists in the borough are warned about the potential hazards associated with contaminated needles or needles which are not sterile and our actions show that if they do not listen they will be closed.

"Anyone wishing to have a tattoo in the borough should visit premises which are registered with the council and which can demonstrate compliance with the local byelaws."

[bluntmonkey]

This is a good link to weigh your tattoo options at US FDA/CFSAN - Tattoos and Permanent Makeup it gives much food for thought about safety concerns my feeling these days is that staph infection is probably the number one culprit as far as health is concerned I dont have hard numbers and not withstanding that there are many others to be considered but staph is just recently being recognized as a major issue around the world particularly antibiotic resistant staph strains. Many artists today use single use needles but fail in properly sterilizing all parts of their tattoo equipment for whatever their reasons cost, knowledge, ability etc also keeping the work area sterilized can be an issue ie: many people , food ,drinks etc close to the tattoo work being done I have seen these things first hand many times sooooo sad. Additionally giving clear instruction on aftercare and followup is VERY important. Fortunately on the bright side my personal artists that I frequent have all been trained in blood borne pathogen containment and disposal and practice EXTREME sterility and cleanliness in the workplace maintaining a private and clean place to be inked is as important as operating in an operating theater as opposed to an alley.When you decide to get tatted do your homework or I'm afraid you may have to pay a Large price after the fact and it may be with your skin and not dollars.
Good Luck Consider the Facts Be Safe
E