Body piercing regulation

[uppityperson]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003578776_bodypiercing19.html

With large flamelike earrings, an intricate nose piercing and visible tattoos, Troy Amundson is an unlikely lobbyist. A professional body piercer at Apocalypse Tattoo in Seattle, Amundson has been leading a fight to have the state regulate his industry to make it more legitimate and to protect public health.

Legislators are considering several bills this session that would regulate body piercers and tattoo artists and restrict minors from getting piercings "on certain sensitive parts."

Amundson said most body piercers and tattoo artists follow strict sterilization procedures, but "unfortunately, there are people who get into this strictly for the money with little care for their clients' health. Some kind of legislation would help make it more professional."

The state Department of Health requires sterilization of needles and instruments used by tattoo artists, but there are no similar rules for body piercing. Amundson supports a pair of bills that would establish those requirements for body piercers....(more@link)

Personal disclaimer: I have been involved with the tattoo business, and in health care/alternative/complimentary health care for 30 yrs. I would like to see piercing hygienically regulated since right now there is no regulations. Make it professional, keep it safe. There can be real risks and there are people doing piercings whose knowledge of basic hygiene is far surpassed by their enthusiasm.



Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov
Rep. Sherry Appleton's bills: HB 1383 and HB 1700
Sen. Jim Kastama's bill: SB 5180
Sen. Ed Murray's bill: SB 5860
Sen. Pam Roach's bill: SB 5820.

[Turbineguy]

1. When my daughter was 16

she got a tongue piercing. What an upset couple of parents she had! My Wife, a devout Catholic, nearly had a stroke. I don't think my Daughter realized the full import of her action. But then that's endemic with 16 year olds. The thing was later removed. She now has 2 tattoos. We're not happy about it, but she's an adult now.

But what bothered me was that this is actually a surgical procedure and she was a child. If she were to have something like that done at a Doctor's office, the parents would have to sign a consent form. I was surprised that the artist actually agreed to do this to a child. While I'm at it I've also seen babies screaming bloody murder while getting their ears pierced at their parents behest. What's that in aid of? Does a baby need diamond ear studs? Again, how can somebody do such a thing to a small child?

Having had (as it were) surgeons carve their initials all over my body, I have no need for piercings or tattoos, but it's up to the individual's choice. And by individual, I mean an adult.

I am happy to see this.

[uppityperson]

2. I don't care if someone does body modification, but do believe in protecting public health

keep it safe.

[SeattleGirl]

3. My daughter got her tongue pierced when she was 16.

Other than the "ewwwww" factor (trying to eat/talk with what is essentially an earring in your mouth), my primary reaction was worry about how sanitary the process had been. I asked her how she chose the place she went to. Typical teen response: My friends went there. Well, THAT's a great endorsement! :crazy:

I would like to see this industry regulated, NOT to stop people from getting piercings wherever they want, but to make as sure as possible that the place doing it, and the instruments used, are sterile.