The press release that the local Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit sent out his below, which informed the local community that some of the equipment found at the Adam & Eve shop has not been sterilized properly. However in a follow up story on the local paper’s website the owner Richard Ellis said “the health unit failed to follow its own protocol. According to health unit policy, sterilization of the disputed equipment is not mandatory. In fact, only bleach is required to clean that equipment, a process that was completed by shop employees,”
If you read the article he says that they actually had a sterilizer, but it doesn’t seem that it was working properly at the time. Since the Health issues the tattoo artist working there has actually quit and they’ve recent replaced him. To me it sounds like the exploding popularity of tattoos has shown a real demand for more critical scrutiny by health officials especially in this case when Adam & Eve Tanning adds tattooing … may be just may be, tattoo buyers need to beware.
*****August 2008 Press Release Below About the Shop Being Forced to Close*******
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is asking all clients who received tattooing or piercing services at the Adam and Eve Tattooing and Piercing in Innisfil between April 29 and Aug. 21 to call the health unit, as part of an investigation into potential exposure to non-sterile equipment.
The business is located at 1070 Innisfil Beach Road. Health unit has ordered the operator of Adam and Eve to stop offering body modification services, including tattooing and piercing, until further notice. Although the risk is very low, the possible use of non-sterile equipment could lead to the transmission of diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Clients who received body piercing or tattooing services at this facility during the specified time period are asked to call the health unit at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7250, ext. 8802, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We have no evidence of transmission of infectious diseases, but because of the potential use of non-sterile equipment, there is also a potential risk that we must act on,” said Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “We’re also working closely with the operator to identify clients who might be affected and we are following up directly with them. However, we’re still urging anyone who received these services from this establishment to call us so we can provide information on the recommended followup tests required to help rule out any blood-borne diseases.”
The health unit recommends that anyone who received tattooing or body piercing services from this establishment during that period of time take precautions until evidence of transmission of infectious diseases can be ruled out.
Affected individuals are encouraged to use a condom during sexual activity, avoid sharing clippers, razors, toothbrushes, needles and other personal items. They are also asked to avoiddonating blood until they have been examined by a health care provider.
More information can also be found at www.simcoemuskokahealth. org.