In the News: Unsafe Tattooing is Not Just an American Problem

There's a lot of news and discussion about unsafe tattooing in the United States - just last week there was the story from Ohio where a bunch of people got infections from tattoo parties. There's controversy and conflict in town after town on how to regulate tattooing and body piercing in order to keep customers safe and be able to prosecute those that break these laws. But America is not the only country having this problem - it happens everywhere. A news article from Australia this week says that they are needing to crack down on what they call "backyard operators". India is exploring the possibility that street-corner tattooers could be spreading disease. This is a time when we need to be aware of the problems that exist and do what we can to spread the word about safe tattooing and body piercing.

What can you do? Educate yourself and educate others. Join an alliance or organization that supports professional tattoo and piercing artists. Report unsafe practices if you witness them. When you hear friends or family talking about getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure they know the risks and how to find a reputable artist. Don't let a cheap price lure you or someone else into a trap. Friends don't let friends get bad ink!