Tattoo, henna and piercings

When the weather warms up and the days are inching closer to spring break, many get the urge for a change.
Students seek out beaches and coastal communities for fun in the sun and late night entertainment.
For whatever the reason maybe whether planned, a dare, or a bit foggy headed, individuals wander into tattoo or piercing parlors for either temporary (henna), permanent ink or a piercing.
Tattoos and piercings have been performed for thousands of years, according to research on past civilizations.
Al Gray, MPH, environmental services director for the Hernando County Health Department advised new licensing statutes went into effect Jan. 1. Tattoo establishments wanted this licensing requirement to establish professional standards in Florida. “Not all states have these licensure requirements for tattooing.”
In the past, inspections or licensure was not required. The only requirement was that artists worked under the supervision of physician, he added.
“Tattoo inspection and licensing is new to the Hernando County Health Department,” Gray said. “In the next six months, local inspectors will be working with area artists and businesses to ensure standards set forth by the state are being met.”
Gray estimates there are about six tattoo parlors and about eight artists in Hernando County.
“This is a small number compared to larger communities with highly desirable spring break locations like Daytona Beach and Panama City,” said Gray. “Inspections are just getting under way, so we don’t know yet what violations will be found if any. Expected common violations may be insufficient or no protective barriers such as masks, gloves, and eyewear,” Gray said.
Insufficient lighting violations may occur for local establishments, he added.
Henna tattoos
The Florida Department of Health has issued warnings to consumers to be aware of the risks associated with getting temporary black henna tattoos.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in allergic reactions and injuries related to black henna tattoos, which include permanent scarring of the skin.
Natural henna tattoos are not applied with needles. These tattoos are traditionally used for the purpose of weddings or other ceremonies. The skin is temporarily stained by a dye paste consisting of dried plant material mixed with water and a natural dye fixative.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the use of henna in hair dye products.
According to DOH, black henna tattoos are not safe, as these are known to cause minor to serious adverse health effects in children and adults.
Black henna tattoos are applied using the stencil method in a paste consisting of para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a toxic chemical which is exempt from approval by the FDA and is included in small amounts in black hair dye, being added to the paste.
The reason PPD dyes are added is because the skin absorbs the ‘ink’ quicker and makes the tattoo look more like a permanent tattoo.
The adverse side effect is the increased risk of having an allergic reaction, which may result in the temporary tattoo turning into a permanent one, in the form of a scar.
The age requirement for tattoos is 18. Persons 16 to 18 must have notarized consent and a parent or legal guardian must be present to get tattooed. No one under the age of 16 can get a tattoo, unless it is performed for medical or dental purposes by a person licensed to practice medicine or dentistry.
Piercings
Along with tattoos, others seek an alternative to getting ink, choosing to get a body piercing.
Back in 1999, the Florida Legislature passed requirements for guidance for the body piercing industry.
Consumers need to do their due diligence and check out the person and the business prior to getting any work done.
Barbara Bertucci, RN, epidemiology nurse for the Hernando County Health Department advised piercers should be using single use needles.
Body piercers are required to be trained in safety, sanitation, sterilization, and methods.
“Training is a preventative measure to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and artists are required to take continuing education classes every year to maintain their license,” said Bertucci.
Individuals with rashes or areas on non-intact skin or certain skin conditions should not seek piercing for affected areas, opting to wait until the condition is remedied, added Bertucci. “Professionals should be turning away these customers, and rescheduling the procedure.”
According to the DOH website, the original body piercing rule language has changes, referring to “needles” and inserted the word “instruments” in order to maintain consistency with statutory language and provide flexibility to body piercers who use devices other than needles. “We also removed the words “scalpel blades” from the rule language because scalpel blades should not be used by body piercers.”
The age requirement in Florida for body piercings is 18. Persons 16 to 18 can get piercings with a notarized consent by the minor’s parent or legal guardian. If under 16, the minor must have a notarized consent and parent or legal guardian present.
New statutes
Beginning this year, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) implemented a statute (F.S. §381.0071 – 381.00791) for licensure requirements and education for licensed conventional and cosmetic tattoo artists, as well as operational requirements for these businesses.
As a result of these implementations, F.S. §877.04 which applies to tattoo artists and cosmetic tattoo artists to be licensed or work under a licensed physician or dentist, is no longer required.
Additionally, Florida Administrative Code (64E-28, F.A.C.) is in it rulemaking process, which includes the statutory requirements for artists and businesses. Because of this, the DOH recommends owners and operators to review both statute and code requirements.
Local establishments (permanent or temporary tattoos) need to submit an application for a license and pay $200. These forms can be picked up at the local Hernando County Health Department location in Spring Hill located 7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard. Applications are also available on the Florida Department of Health website www.doh.state.fl.us.
These establishments are subject to inspections by local health department staff in order to receive an operator’s license. These inspections also include operators to provide proof of proper biomedical waste disposal with generator permit.
Artists will need to apply for a license which is renewed annually, pay a $60 application fee, provide the necessary documents including documentation of participation in an approved class, and pass appropriate exams.
Duval County Health Department is one of two approved class sites in the state right now but more are expected to be available in the near future. The cost of the four hour Duval class is $100. A second approved site is Community Health Certification, LLC in St. Lucie County.
For more information contact the Hernando County Health Department in Spring Hill located at 7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard. Please call (352) 540-6800 ext. 4 for the environmental health department.