A complaint last Friday made to the Environmental Health office describes a rogue tattoo artist who may be using unsanitary needles, putting the public at risk.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Andre Corriveau said upon learning of the incident he needed to warn residents of the possible harmful outcomes which come by using an unlicensed parlour.
“Tattoo services require sterile equipment and a sanitary environment to prevent transmissions of skin infections, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C,” stated Corriveau.
photo courtesy : Damien Healy
Corriveau said the investigation into the reported incident will hopefully be quick and said the unlicensed tattoo artist is facing a fine from the Chief Public Health Office for practising without a permit which may lead to a possible RCMP investigation.
He is asking anyone who has received a tattoo and notices any skin blisters or infection to the respective area to get tested.
“If infected by hepatitis there is an incubation period that could go on for months,” said Corriveau. “If you don't get tested you won't know what is happening.”
In Yellowknife there is only one licensed tattoo parlour, Harley's Hard Rock Saloon. Owner Sarah Murphy says these rouge operations aren't an uncommon occurrence citing since she took over the saloon last October there have been two other unlicensed artists present in the community. However, this is the first-time she remembers someone being reported to the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services department.
“People need to understand that this is how HIV and other diseases spread,” said Murphy. “ Because the laws on tattoos aren't as stringent in the NWT it's as simple as ordering a tattoo gun online and giving out credit card information.”
It's a process which she said has no precedent and needs to change. Murphy adds for those who are thinking about a tattoo the most important part about getting tattooed is being aware of the atmosphere your going to be in.
“Ask questions and understand the process... our clients always see the fresh needle in the package before we operate,” said Murphy who recognizes tattoos as a form of medical procedure.
As for awareness about the unlicensed operations, she wants residents to understand why prices may be a little bit more in Yellowknife.
“I had about 60 people who needed to get pieces of work covered up because of it,” said Murphy. “People need to realized cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap.”