Experts warn of backyard tattooing risks

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-08/experts-warn-of-backyard-tattooing-risks/2\

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Experts warn of backyard tattooing risks

Posted August 08, 2011 13:06:53

New South Wales north coast health authorities fear a rise in the popularity of

backyard tattooing and piercing will help the spread of blood-borne diseases

like hepatitis and HIV.

The Health Department's Heslop says northern NSW already has a Hepatitis C

rate well above the state average.

She says tattooing equipment can be bought over the internet and those attending

tattoo parties often share needles and ink.

Ms Heslop says parents opposed to tattoos are facing a dilemma.

" It's one of those opportunities to sit down and have a good chat to say, 'look,

if you're really hell-bent on getting a tattoo let's talk about it and let's get

it done at a proper facility and not put yourself at risk, " she said.

[Guest guest]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-08/experts-warn-of-backyard-tattooing-risks/2\

829356

Experts warn of backyard tattooing risks

Posted August 08, 2011 13:06:53

New South Wales north coast health authorities fear a rise in the popularity of

backyard tattooing and piercing will help the spread of blood-borne diseases

like hepatitis and HIV.

The Health Department's Heslop says northern NSW already has a Hepatitis C

rate well above the state average.

She says tattooing equipment can be bought over the internet and those attending

tattoo parties often share needles and ink.

Ms Heslop says parents opposed to tattoos are facing a dilemma.

" It's one of those opportunities to sit down and have a good chat to say, 'look,

if you're really hell-bent on getting a tattoo let's talk about it and let's get

it done at a proper facility and not put yourself at risk, " she said.