For people who do not know much about the body art industry, tattoos and body piercings appear as permanent markings and decorative metal. But this industry is actually a unique form of art. Tattoo artists can honor people or memories that were an important part of a person's life. Body piercers intricately place each piercing to express a person's individuality or culture.
The body art industry is unique because its artists express themselves through living art, but in doing so, artists may also come in contact with their client's blood. Because of this, tattoo artists and body piercers may also be exposed to a bloodborne pathogen such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
These bloodborne pathogens are viruses that are spread by coming in contact with the blood of an infected person. Body artists may be exposed to a bloodborne pathogen by getting stuck with a used needle or if blood splashes into their eyes, nose or mouth.
Bloodborne pathogens can be dangerous and may cause permanent illness. Not only are artists at risk, but so are their families. If an artist gets one of these viruses, he or she may become ill and not be able to support his or her family, or may possibly expose family members to the virus.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) looked at artists’ work practices to see what can be done to lower their chance of being exposed to a bloodborne disease.
NIOSH met with representatives from a number of organizations and agencies to help identify the hazards and bloodborne pathogen risks tattoo artists and body piercers experience while working.
NIOSH surveyed two body piercing shops in 1999 and 2000 and found that body piercers have a higher chance of being exposed to a bloodborne pathogen than the general public. Certain practices used in body piercing and tattooing could increase the chance of coming in contact with blood.
Exposures to blood in the body art industry can be reduced by:
1. Vaccinating and educating.
2. Preventing needlestick injuries.
3. Reducing cross-contamination.
4. Reading additional information about topics related to body piercing and tattooing.
Content provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This article is part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues. The initiative was developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Awareness Committee, comprising members from across the university community. For further information on nutrition and healthy eating visit the Student Health Services web site at www.temple.edu/studenthealth. If you have other health and safety questions, concerns and/or suggestions, contact the Health and Safety Committee at.