Clean Tattooing in Utah

To:  Davis County and State Health Department

I am begging you to seriously consider the following information and how it is and will affect our community regarding a report about a potentially deadly, drug resistant type of staph infection spreading in the tattoo community. A report has been released showing that in 3 states alone, the antibiotic-resistant superbug known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has been found in 44 people associated with illegal tattoos from 13 unlicensed tattoo artists.
In these cases, Center for Disease Control officials say the infections were caused by the unlicensed tattoo artist failing to use gloves, masks, sterilized needles, or single-use equipment; including needles, tattoo machines, and ink supplies.

Beware of Unlicensed Tattoo Artists
In light of these outbreaks, CDC officials say people considering a tattoo should be aware of the potential risk of drug-resistant MRSA infection associated with unlicensed tattoo artists. They recommend using a licensed artist who follows proper infection-control procedures. Most MRSA skin infections are mild, but they can develop into more invasive problems such as pneumonia or necrotizing fasciitis (the so-called flesh-eating disease).

Currently Utah does not have any laws regarding the selling of tattoo and piercing supplies. So almost anyone can purchase the equipment locally, and tattoo or pierce at home. We at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo have seen many infections from local inexperienced home tattooists (scratchers). We have also seen many minors getting tattooed and purchasing tattoo equipment! This needs to be regulated just like alcohol and tobacco sales. We would like to see Utah adopt a law that states tattoo and piercing equipment can only be sold to licensed professionals. We would also like to see more strict guidelines added to Davis Counties Health regulations for tattooing and piercing. Please help us in our stand against unprofessional, cross-contamination, and unqualified/ inexperienced tattooists in Utah.


Goal:
1. To add/change Davis County health regulations for body art facilities.
2. To ban the sale of Tattoo and Piercing supplies to unlicensed individuals in Davis County and hopefully the state of Utah.


Thank you!

References: WebMd

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Clean Tattooing in Utah Petition to Davis County and State Health Department was created by Lucky Bamboo Tattoo and written by Jared Preslar (jared@luckybambootattoo.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.