Public Health Inspector Christina Milani says they have received reports of local high school students getting body piercing in unsafe settings.
Milani says getting a body piercing done by an amateur can lead to significant risks.
She says Hepatitis B and C, HIV and severe bacterial skin infections can spread from person to person if items used for piercing are not properly cleaned and sterilized.
Milani says some of the piercings have been taking place in unsterlized settings.
Milani adds that unskilled or inexperienced piercers can cause long-term, disfiguring nerve and muscle damage.
She says anyone considering a piercing should get it done at a studio inspected by Public Health.
Milani says reputable studios do not pierce anyone under 18 years of age with parental consent.
She says people who are providing the “Saturday Night Special” piercings can have Health Orders placed again them and be fined.
