The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 1

OUR CONFERENCE ONFERENCE MAY 25-28TH, 1998

WAS AT THE

HARD ROCKHOTEL AND CASINOIN LAS

VEGAS, NEVADA

PARTICIPATION!PLEASE NOTE: THE POINT IS AN OPEN FORUM FOR DISCUSSION. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREINBELONG TO THE INDIVIDUAL WRITER OR ADVERTISER, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AN OFFICIAL

OPINION OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE APP

APP:THE POINTTHE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS:# 12A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO SAFE BODY PIERCING

In This Issue: ON THE ROAD,IN EUROPE AND AT LARGE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR

participation!

2

Primum Non Nocere:

First, Do No Harm

Beginning with this moment, try to reducethe risk that everyone has in your studio.Clients demand the simplest result. No oneever wants to leave a piercing studio withanything physical other than adornment and apositive feeling. It is just a pin prick. Everything leading up to that break of the skin andbeyond can be streamlined and organized,thought through to the aim of harmreduction. Reducing the risk for infectiongoes far beyond cross-contamination. It is ourprimary responsibility as professionals.

Every breath in that space we share with aclient should be taken mindful of safety foreveryone. Every product, instrument,technique and word we use can individuallyundermine the whole experience. We must allseek to recognize weak links in our work, andcreate solutions based on research anddevelop our practical knowledge together.

RESEARCH CAN PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR THE

COMING MILLENNIUM AND THE PRACTICAL

MEANS TO CARRY THEM THROUGH.

Thinking through the roles we enact inevery step of our profession can help us tonotice the exceptions or gray areas that affectour performance. Often, small seeming thingshave the ability to directly alter our course.To the end of creating the safest body art, weare not acting as a clique or exclusive club,but as a group to set the standards by whichprofessionalism in our field may be measuredby the public. APP supports two major goals:to create a professional society for bodypiercers. Second, APP offers standards bywhich anyone can assess the experience andexpertise of these practitioners. In this way wesupport the public’s access to professionalbody adornment.

BRIAN SKELLIE-EDITOR

BRIAN@PIERCING .ORG

404-494-0378

"Who you are speaks soloud that I can't hearwhat you're saying."

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

1998 board of directors

CHAIR-GAHDI ELIAS-SAN DIEGO CASECRETARY-DEREK LOWE-MADISON WIOUTREACH-JEFF MARTIN-ATLANTA GAMEDICAL-DR. JOHN WARD-SHREVEPORT LAOSHA-DAVID VIDRA-CLEVELAND OHINTERNATIONAL-AL D SOWERS-SEATTLE WATREASURY-BRIAN SKELLIE-ATLANTA GA

Europe: September 1997

After many e-mails and schedule changes,arrangements were made for my visit toEurope. Many thanks to Jack Rubini, GrantDempsey, Marika & Joakim and Dominiquefor their efforts and hospitality. Copenhagen,Denmark and Gorlubb Body Piercing was myfirst stop. I was to continue on to London forthe first European health and safety seminaron September 19, 1997, then on to Paris tofinish my European tour.

Aside from language barriers in somecountries the biggest difference for anAmerican piercing in Europe is the metricsystem. If you want a ½ inch 14G captivebead ring, you really want a 1.6 millimeter by12 millimeter ring. The handy “conversionchart” was as valuable as any languagedictionary. I want to say Thank You toMickey at Gorlubb Body Piercing fortranslating for me while piercing there.Another big difference for me was that outerthreaded jewelry is the standard for theEuropean industry. The accepted method ispiercing with a needle one size bigger thanyour jewelry. So schedule your appointmentswith plenty of time to stop the bleeding. Ifyou want a shiny mirror finish on yourjewelry then bring it with you because youwon’t be getting it while in Europe. Howeveryou can get any type of sterling silver jewelryinstalled in ANY area of the body at piercingshops in Copenhagen if you really want shiny!I am grateful that they have socializedmedicine in Denmark. Gorlubb was the onlyshop that I found using an autoclave andultrasonic in Copenhagen.

My next stop was London, a very busy citywith damn narrow streets and everybodydriving on the wrong side of the road. I hadthe pleasure of working at Cold Steel BodyPiercing in the Camdentown district. Everysquare inch of Cold Steel is an APP shop, it’sbeautiful. Grant Dempsey the owner is in theprocess of introducing inner threaded jewelry

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 3

The Point

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS

519 CASTRO ST BOX 120SAN FRANCISCO CA 94114

APP@PIERCING.ORG

WWW.PIERCING.ORG/APP

CONTACT: BRIAN SKELLIE

APP TREASURY

1654 MCLENDON AVE

ATLANTA GA 30307-2153BRIAN@PIERCING .ORG

404.378.9100

TOLL FREE APP INFORMATION

888.515.4277

# 12, First quarter 1998

m this issue M

EDITOR’S LETTER-3BRIAN SKELLIE

A LETTER FROM EUROPE-3 & 4AL D SOWERS

PIERCING AT LARGE-3JEFF MARTIN

IN THE STUDIO: FREEHAND IDEAS-8KENT FAZEKAS

A LETTER FROM READERS-5 & 6STAFF OF MIRACULOUS CREATIONS

CHEMICALS: AFTERCARE REVISITED-8 &9

DR. JOHN WARD

YOUR NEW BOARD LIASON-5LIZ GETSCHAL

SURVEY-12RENÉ MARTIN & LIZ GETSCHAL

MEDIA BUZZ: OUTREACH RESPONDS-10JEFF MARTIN

LEGISLATION UPDATE-12GAHDI ELIAS

h errata-5

to the European market. At least one has achoice at Cold Steel to get inner or outerthreaded body jewelry. The shops in Londonare not much different than in Copenhagen. Istopped by one Tattoo and Piercing shop inthe Soho district in downtown London andpromptly left when I observed the TattooArtist actively tattooing while resting his areon the vibrating ultrasonic cleaner!!! Anothervisit to a shop boasts the record of 83piercings by one professional piercer duringone work shift. (Wow I am so impressed.)What I experienced at the reception area/jewelry counter/ front desk/ appointment &check in area, a young woman was asking thecounter person what was wrong with her red,swollen & oozing navel piercing. As the youngwoman asked these questions she rotated thering with her fingers and poked at the swollentissue and put her hands all over the counter

area. The counter person said “you must havedone something wrong it’s your problem”and dismissed the young woman to fend forherself as they were too busy to deal with it!The counter staff were rude and arrogant.People that had been freshly pierced where allbut thrown out of the piercing rooms whileothers were herded in. Those who werediscarded were trying to make their way upthe very stuffy, hot staircase to the outside.These poor clients were pale and shaky with alayer of sweat dripping off of them. Some satoutside on the street curb to get theircomposure with heads between legs. Othersleaned against the brick wall of the buildingand threw up. A friend of one individual wentback downstairs to the counter attendantsand asked for water because she was afraidher friend was going to faint. The remarkfrom the counter staff was, ‘Damn it, anotherone, I don’t have the time to be interrupted

for water.’ I had had enough, this ended ourexcursion to see other shops in London.

During my stay in London I had theopportunity to visit and work with Cold Steelat [a] Tattoo Convention. The Cold Steeljewelry and information booth was acrossfrom [someone] piercing with a “gun”. Therewere no Smoke Free areas, the 2 piercingbooths were not enclosed but had partialwalls around them and open ceiling areas, theareas were carpeted and the nearest handwashing facility was the public rest rooms onthe lower floor and at the other end of thebuilding. To say the least it was a piercingnightmare. I won’t even go into the tattooArtist “arena” in the main exhibition hall.Imagine 30 ultrasonic cleaners all going fulltilt with the lids off at the same time in anenclosed area with everyone smoking,

drinking, eating etc. with carpeted floors andnon existent ventilation. To quote a veryloved doctor friend in the piercingcommunity “Face masks aren’t the problemhere, we need to be wearing full biohazardsuits.”

Surfaces to surface piercing abound in theLondon/ England/ European area with alltheir swollen, red, oozing glory, yet they areworn with great pride! Dr. Jack’s friend withall the facial piercings was proud to have hadthe 20 or 30 new piercings done in a coupleof months so she could be ready for theconvention! But that is another story that is inthe work from our favorite Physician… Dr.Jack!

Off to Paris and a visit to Dominique,former Gauntlet franchise owner, nowpiercing at his shop independently. I was

warned in the previous cities that Parisianswere rather cold and inhospitable towardAmericans. I found quite the opposite withthe folks I met through Dominique. Howeverthe general populace of Paris is conservativeand had little friendliness to someone thatlooks out of the norm. The body modindustry in Paris runs about parallel to theother cities. I visited 2 other shops in Parisduring my stay there. One in the basement ofa leather/fetish store. I think it was in aconverted wine cellar, rounded brick ceilingsvery low. A very small space divided byshower curtains. The areas that were dividedwere the tattoo area, piercing area, front deskarea, employee lounge area and the smokingand drawing area. This was all housed in aspace about 20’ X 25’. There was noautoclave area as they [used chemicaldisinfectant solution] on the set up areas they

work from, enough for me I had togo… The other shop was more upscale, a nice reception area with atribal motif. Upstairs were separaterooms that the workers did bothtattoos & piercings out of, sameroom for both tats & piercings. Theydid have a sterilization area. Amodified kitchen with metal shelvingand a stove. On the stove was apressure cooker, and the metalshelves had drying racks for theinstruments coming out of thepressure cooker. (E for effort here.)The owner and staff were veryfriendly.

To sum everything up, yes Iwould get a piercing in Europe but only atGorlubb, Cold Steel or Dominique’s shop. Iwould not even consider getting a tattoo fromwhat I observed. We have our problems herein the States, however after being in Europe Ihave a very different viewpoint. Most shopshere in the States at least have a clue aboutblood borne pathogens, and what anautoclave is and what it looks like! Nuff Said!

Mr. David Vidra of BodyworkProductions will be giving the low down onthe health and safety conference while inLondon, and as I mentioned before our ownDr. Jack will be telling the tale of theDunstable Convention. (With Photographs!)

AL D SOWERS-INTERNATIONAL LIASON

ALD@WOLFENET.COM

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 4

CREW & PRESENTERS (LONDON)FIRST EUROPEAN HEALTH & SAFETY SEMINAR , SEPTEMBER 1997

Board Liaison

The new ‘Board Liaison’ position has beencreated as an offshoot under the Chair to helpbridge the gap between APP members andthe Board of Directors. The system to keepyou abreast of activity has been revamped andhere are several new ways I’ll be keeping youinformed.

v The first issue that needed someattention was that between issues of the Pointand annual meetings, many members didn’tget enough information and had too littleopportunity to give their input on thehappenings of this organization. Severalthings will be happening from now on toremedy this. I will post all Board members’agendas prior to their meetings so that if yousee something on the list that you want tospeak up about, you can contact the Board ordiscuss it on the BBS. The Board wants toknow how you feel about important decisionsand this will be an easy way to contribute.Once the meeting has occurred, I will postthe minutes to the BBS. However, one pointof difficulty in this plan is that it would beoverwhelming to send out that flow ofpaperwork to people that are not online.Therefore I will have to post this info to theBBS. The vast majority of members have e-mail accounts. And I have a feeling that mostof the members that do not have e-mailaccounts can make it to a friend’s house/library/ internet coffeehouse/ whatever, tocheck the BBS periodically. I certainly do notwant to isolate anyone who isn’t on theelectronic geek boat, so if this is a bigproblem for anybody, call me and we’ll worksomething out. However, given that theelectronic highway is the cheapest and easiestway to go for bulk info, I hope that you canfind a way to make it happen for yourselves.Which brings me to my next point.

v The BBS has been slow lately. This ispartly due to the revamping that has takenplace. (Go Jeff and René!) Now that it’s goodto go, in order to spark up some conversationthere will be questions posted regularly thatwill evoke responses and informationexchange. For instance, we can discuss whatyour policies and possible exceptions are forpiercing minors and ideas about the specificsabout legislation. Most folks have a well-adjusted attitude about discussing theirfeelings without putting others’ practicesdown. This will be the key to goodroundtable discussion.

v Check the BBS! With these two newadditions, the BBS should be key to bothcontributing to and getting your money’sworth out of this organization! In addition,important notices are conveyed this way, suchas hotel changes for the annual meetings andlegislative alerts. To keep costs down onoperating and make our budget stretchfurther, this seems to be the most reasonableway to conduct APP business. So check theBBS and recent news department regularly.

I hope that these changes will makeeveryone feel much more in touch with what’sgoing on. Feel free to contact me if you havequestions or ideas.

LIZ GETSCHAL

LIZ@PIERCING .ORG

A letter from members

Dear APP,I would like to share a recent and

wonderful experience with other APPmembers. I received a phone call from aHealth Education teacher from one of thelocal high schools. She said there had been alot of problems with kids piercing themselves,each other, or going to nonprofessionalpiercing salons. The teacher was frustratedthat her talks just didn’t make a difference.The teacher had heard of our reputation andour APP membership and asked if we hadany pamphlets. I offered to come to theschool and lecture on the safety precautionsin the body arts industry, no charge of course.

The teacher was thrilled and I agreed tolecture two classes.

I wasn’t feeling very well so I asked if ourother piercer Jay would go. I spoke to thefirst class and Jay to the second. I can’texpress enough what a wonderful experienceit was. The students were absolutely silentand listened to every word we said After wespoke we took questions from the kids.Hands went up with such enthusiasm andinterest. They were very surprised at thesafety issues we discussed and very interestedin the cultural background of piercing. Theteacher was so impressed that she asked us tocome back in the future. She said she had noidea how much was involved with safepiercing. We recently received a largeenvelope filled with letters from the kids, anda letter from the teacher. This is going tosound corny but I was so moved I cried. I’veenclosed a copy of the letter from the teacherand a few of the student’s letters. I would

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 5

errata from last issue

IN THE MEMBER’S LIST AND BOARD LIST, AL D SOWERS’ SHOP WAS INCORRECTLY

POSTED AS URBAN ABORIGINALS, IT IS

GREENLAKE TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING.SORRY AL AND RICHARD!

THE PHONE NUMBER AT 23RD ST BODY

PIERCING IS 405.524.6824.

IF WE MISSED ANYTHING ELSE, WE APOLOGIZE!

PLEASE LET US KNOW OF ANY OTHER

CORRECTIONS THAT NEED TO BE MADE!

All submissions

are welcome!

Providing education for a new Millennium…

E-MAIL: PPIS@KOAN.COM

MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 390288 ANZA CA 92539SOCAL: 909.763.9728 — NOCAL: 415.201.2181

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 6

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 7

appreciate printing this letter or theirs in anupcoming issue of the point. A message toother members- Speak up, let your voices beheard, approach schools, etc... and offer yourservices to teach a class, it's very rewardingand needed. Sincerely,

ROSEMARIE PULDA & JASON DUGGAN

508-799-2840WWW.MIRACULOUSCREATIONS .COM

in the studio

Here is a way to do the eyebrow piercingand cut down on your having to deal withbleeding, swelling and bruising… Freehand.

The eyebrow is rich with capillariesmaking it possible for heavy bleeding. Whenthe piercing is done using a clamp, the tissueis placed under a great deal of pressure. Thepressure caused by the clamp may damage thecapillaries which could cause swelling, extrableeding and possible bruising.

By doing the piercing freehand, I removeall of the pressure caused by the clamps. Nomore swelling, bruising, or heavy bleeding.

This is how I do an eyebrow piercing.Everything is as it was before I started doingthem freehand.

1. First, I remove any body oils, dirt ormake-up using a sterile alcohol prep pad. Ifeel this step is important as it removes bodyoils allowing the povidone iodine to come infull contact with the skin allowing the iodineto do it’s job.

2. Then I apply povidone-iodine using anindividual prep pad. (It’s looking like PCMXmay be the new school prep solution)

3. The iodine needs to be in contact withthe skin for at least one minute, but I preferthree minutes. I use this time to explain theaftercare to the client. This way, I have theclient’s full attention.

4. If needed, I then dry off the eyebrowusing a tissue. Now I place the marks on theeyebrow using gentian violet. Gentian violet iseasier to clean up and my marks are muchclearer. Plus, I don’t have to worry aboutcross-contaminating a pen. What I do is placeone or two drops of gentian violet in a 1 oz.cup and use a sterile tooth pick to place themarks. Check with your state to see if you canlegally use gentian violet, in some statesgentian violet is by prescription only.

5. Once I’m comfortable with the marks Iwill show the client and get their approval.

6. Now it’s time for the piercing. I preferthe client lying down. The client is muchmore stable this way. With one hand I willpinch the eyebrow with the marks next to myfingers (thumb and index finger). I have themarks close enough to my fingers to make thepiercing stable but not so close as to risk aneedle stick. With the skin pinched in myfingers I can easily adjust the marks by rollingthe skin. Making sure the marks are lined upwith the needle angle I’m ready to do thepiercing.

7. I will always pierce from the bottom up.This way that pointy little needle is in no waya risk for sticking the client in the eye. (Howmany times have one of you had a client freakout and reach up and grab your wrist as soonas you start piercing? It’s happened to meonce and all I could do was wait until they letgo of my wrist to finish the piercing.)

8. The piercing is done smoothly andconsistently in one nice even motion.

9. After the needle is in, I cork the needleand insert the jewelry.

10. Finally, the piercing is cleaned off withan individual BZK pad.

11. The piercing is now complete and I getto enjoy the happy smile from a client.

I hope this proves to be helpful. Sincerely,KENT FAZEKAS

FAZEKAS@INDY.NET

Please note: No sort of piercing should be practicedwithout supervised training, with or without tools.This article is intended for entertainment andeducational purposes only. The reader should notconsider this directions to experiment. The descriptionof any procedure or mention of any product in ThePoint is not to be implied as a recommendation orendorsement by the APP or its members, nor can theyassume responsibility for any misfortune, mishap, oraccident which might arise from application of thisinformation.

chemicals

AFTERCARE REVISITED

In the last issue of The Point, there wereseveral articles dealing with aftercareproducts. These articles raised a concernabout the effectiveness of benzalkoniumchloride (BAK) and benzethonium chloride(BZK) as aftercare products. Several reportswere referenced suggesting BAK/BZK are noteffective against pseudomonas aeroginosa,which could potentially result in infections.

Because these issues were raised in ‘ThePoint, numerous inquiries have been made tothe APP concerning appropriate products forpiercing aftercare.

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS SHOULD BE

CONSIDERED IN CARING FOR A PIERCING :

1. keeping the piercing clean,2. allowing the piercing wound to

drain (thus, the body can remove deadcells and debris),

3. preventing microbialcontamination, particularly from sourcesother than one’s own body.

Each person has a natural flora ofmicroorganisms. These organisms exist in asymbiotic relationship with the host body,and function to protect the body fromharmful organisms.

The skin acts as a natural barrier tomicrobes. When its continuity is violated,situations can arise that allow organisms toinvade the body and to cause infections. Apiercing is a superficial wound, and aninfection may arise if inadequate aftercareoccurs.

One of the most important aspects oraftercare is the cleaning process. First, debrisand crust need to be removed from the outersurface of the skin and jewelry, particularlythe entrance and exit holes. This material willharbor bacteria, and this can be a source ofinfection. Generally the debris will be dry andfirm. Therefore, one of the first steps ismoistening the crusted areas. This can beaccomplished with warm salt soaks. Oncemoistened, the crust is removed with cottonapplicators. Following this, the outer skin areaand jewelry are cleansed to remove microbes.After this has been accomplished the jewelryis rotated through the piercing, and theinternal area of the jewelry is cleansed.

Another factor in obtaining a successfulpiercing is prevention of microbialcontamination, which may require anantiseptic agent. Selecting an appropriateagent has recently become a controversialsubject. In the last issue of The Point, theeffectiveness of BAK/BZK was raised. Theincompatibility of BAK/BZK and soaps wasthe primary reason given for avoiding the useof these agents. Allegedly, the BAK residueremaining on the skin and in the crust allowspathogens to survive, increasing the risk ofinfections. From a wound-healing perspective,crust needs to be removed from the piercingholes, since the occlusion of the holes cancreate an environment for bacterial growth.

In the field of orthopaedic surgery, thehealing of open wounds with metal implantshas always been a major problem. As with any

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 8

piercing, the issue has been cleansing anddisinfecting these wounds. Numerouschemicals such as hydrogen peroxide,povodine-iodine, and Dakin’s solution(hypochlorite solution) have been used.While these compounds can kill bacteria, theyare also toxic to living cells. A key method fortesting cell irritation is the rabbit-eye test. Inthis test, chemicals are placed in a rabbit eyeand evaluated for chemical conjunctivitisBAK/BZK have been found to be gentlecompounds. In addition they are effectiveagainst bacterial conjunctivitis.

Moussa et al. investigated the use ofbiocompatible surfactants as an irrigatingagent for disinfecting orthopaedic woundswith metal implants. Stainless steel screwswere colonized with a biofilm containingeither Staphylococcus epidermis,Stapyhylococcus aureus, and pseudomonasaeroginosa. These were then immersed in tendifferent chemical solutions for various timeintervals. Bacterial adhesion assays andbactericidal assays were performed. Sodiumdodecyl sulfate, oleic acid and benzalkoniumchloride were bactericidal againstStaphylococcus epidermis. BAK was the onlyagent that demonstrated activity against all

three strains of bacteria. Additionalexperiments evaluating BAK found aminimum 4 log kill (10,000 fold) after 10minutes. When a mechanical jet lavage usingBAK was performed, a minimum 2 log killwas accomplished. This study concluded thatBAK at tissue compatible concentrations hassignificant disinfecting properties. Theseproperties are enhanced by the type ofcleansing method.

Another important issue involves the shelf-life of agents, and the potential forcontamination. Vess et al. performed a studyto determine the ability of bacteria tocolonize PVC surfaces, to survive germicidaltreatments, and then reestablish themselves insterile distilled water. PVC pipes were filledwith contaminated water for eight weeks. Thepipes were then treated with eight differentchemical agents. The germicides were left inplace for seven days, and then replaced withsterile water. Numerous assays were thenperformed at different time intervalsthroughout the study. This investigation

found that common water bacteria can attachand colonize the internal surfaces of the PVCpipes. Subsequently, they can developsignificant resistance to these germicides. Thiscolonization occurred as early as 7 dayswithin phenol detergents, iodophordisinfectants, and chlorine.

Therefore it is important that stocksolutions should not be diluted with tapwater. After containers have been opened caremust be maintained to prevent contamination.Aftercare and germicidal solutions should bechanged on a regular basis.

For many piercers, Provon has been usedas an aftercare agent.. To date a literaturereview has not produced any studiesestablishing its use in open wounds. However,anecdotal reports indicate good results withProvon.

If successful results have been obtained

with an aftercare agent such as BAK/BZK orProvon, then the piercer should continue withthese agents. If results have been less thanoptimal then making a change to a differentagent would be appropriate.

In summary, obtaining a successfulpiercing depends on adequate cleansing andminimal contamination. This can beaccomplished with a good aftercare protocol,use of a gentle cleansing agent, andprecautions to prevent contamination ofsolution containers.

DR. JACK WARD-MEDICAL LIASON

BONES@SOFTDISK .COM

REFERENCES

Moussa FW, Gainor BJ, Anglen JO,Christensen G, Simpson WA: DisinfectingAgents for Removing Adherent Bacteria fromOrthopaedic Hardware, ClinicalOrthopaedics and Related Research 1996Aug 329; 255-262.

Vess RW, Anderson RL, Carr JH, BondWW, Favero MS: The Colonization of SolidPVC Surfaces and the Acquisition ofResistance to Germicides by Water Micro-Organisms. Journal of Applied Bacteriology1993 Feb 74(2); 215-221.

Editor’s note

“Recent publications advise against twocurrently marketed antiseptics. The NationalSafety Council’s 1996 First Aid Pocket Guidestates: “DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide. Itdoes not kill bacteria, and it adversely affectscapillary blood flow and wound healing.”And the Handbook on NonprescriptionDrugs states ethyl alcohol “is not a desirablewound antiseptic because it irritates alreadydamaged tissue. The coagulum [crust] formedmay, in fact, protect the bacteria.” The final rule will reflect FDA’s evaluation ofall the data, Lumpkins says. Thus, antisepticingredients proposed as safe and effectivecould be found unsafe or ineffective, or newingredients could be added, depending on newinformation. Whether using an OTC antibiotic orantiseptic, consumers should realize “there arelimits to what the products can do,”Lumpkins says. “People should read the label,and use the product appropriately. If theynotice a change in their condition, or if there’sredness or swelling, they shouldn’t continue totry to treat it. They should see a doctor.”

Regardless of product choice for aftercare,our chief concern must be the effort toeducate piercees to take great care of theirbodies, and to emphasize that their body doesthe healing and growing, not what they puton it. Training our clients to respect the bodyand care for it from the inside out, instead ofrelying upon magic or science for a cureseems like a giant leap of faith, but makesthing ever so much more simple.

BRIAN SKELLIE-EDITOR

FURTHER REFERENCE

Farley D, OTC Options: Help for Cuts,Scrapes and Burns FDA Consumer MagazineMay 1996 www.fda.gov/fdac/features/496_cuts.html

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 9

BZK IS A SIMILAR LONG CHAIN FATTY ACID MOLECULE (DETERGENT)

BAK IS A DETERGENT

media buzz

To the Columbus Ledger Enquirer,

I came across an article the other dayconcerning body piercing in your editorialsection. This caught my eye “Tongue piercingis dangerous and stupid.” being the title, Idon’t know how I could miss it.

The Idea of body piercing being dangerousis very true. Only very few body piercingbusinesses are taking the proper precautionsnecessary to ensure that they, the operator,and their clients are not being put at risk.These risks are very palatable

The assumption that many Americans findbody piercing repulsive, could be taking it abit far, piercing seems to have passed the“trendy” stage sometime ago. With peoplefrom all walks of life getting shiny things putinto all sorts of new places that others neverthought they could wear jewelry in, piercinghas come a long way out of the basementsand back rooms of America and out onto theMain street. Along with this progression ofpublicity, anadvancement intechnique has ensued.With the use of sterileimplements, single useneedles, disposableequipment, and propercross contaminationcontrol, the risks canbe kept to a minimum.

HBV (Hepatitis) and AIDS (AcquiredImmune Deficiency Syndrome) are two of themore particularly frightening diseases of ourday. HBV being a triple bond protein chainwhich can live on surfaces for up to 90 daysin dried blood, (it needs to be mentioned thatnumerous other viruses are just as deadly,Hepatitis C, D, and E, just to name a few. areworking their way into the USA at analarming rate, according to epidemiologists(people who study outbreaks of disease andtheir rates). These strains of Hepatitis arequite virile, without the properdecontamination, disinfection, andsterilization they can be passed among thepopulus with ease, since these viruses producespores. Spores are formed when this type ofvirus comes into contact with an environmentother than it’s own. Being resilient to variedenvironments, spores enable the pathogens tofind new hosts. Disinfectants for the mostpart do not kill these spores. IV

(Intravenous) drug use, blood transfusions,promiscuous sexual activities, sharing razorsand toothbrushes, and simply enough ear-piercing guns can and will spread theseharbingers of death. Just remember rubbingalcohol is not an adequate disinfectant, it onlykills vegetative non lipid viruses, even thoughamusingly enough stops HIV (HumanImmunodeficiency Virus which is suspectedfor causing the condition known as AIDS,)dead in it’s tracks. Proper disinfection canonly be accomplished after decontaminatingthe surface, that is removing the gross debris(i.e.-blood, bodily fluids, tissue, etc.) this canbe achieved through ultrasonic cavitation,high pressure washing systems, and manualscrubbing. Only then can sterilization beperformed. Sterilization - Rendering free ofall biologic life including their spores. Thereis only one effective, safe, and cost effectivemeans of sterilization which is steam andpressure. Another option is a Gammaionizing radiation sterilizer, the use of whichis size and cost prohibitive for piercing,although it is the most effective and reliableform of sterilization since things may be run

without the removal of debris. This is whythe US government wants to use these devicesto sterilize all meat in the States to removethe risk of disease transfer in our food. Steamsterilizing autoclaves are not fail safe, leakyrelease valves, seals, and heating elementsmake them targets for failure. There shouldbe routine spore tests run on any and allsterilizers, the intervals being determined bethe usage, but at least monthly. A spore testinvolves processing a nonpathogenic sporewhich is particularly hardy and difficult todestroy, simulating the measures that need tobe taken when dealing with blood bornediseases.

Ear-piercing guns can never be adequatelysterilized, even if run through the autoclavesteam sterilizer, this device may not bedisinfected properly because of the movingparts. Blood and bodily fluids can be blownout of someone’s body during an ear piercingand get stuck in and on the gun (according to

OSHA’s Blood borne pathogen standard, allitems which have come into contact withblood or bodily fluids must be sterilizedbefore reuse, if unsterilizable, like most earpiercing guns, the implement must bedisposed of in a biohazardous waste containerwhich is puncture resistant and destroyed inthe proper fashion). Sometimes these guns arestored in the most inappropriate places, suchas the cash register drawer- money beingprobably the dirtiest thing we handle daily,most times our natural defenses canaccommodate this, unless we compromise theintegrity of our natural barrier, our skin. Withthis being the case, even with the use of a“sterile” packaged earring, it is put into adirty contaminated gun. Putting everyone atrisk for the transmission of potentially deadlydiseases. Look for these results when scoutingout a new piercing, ask to see the print outsfrom a biological monitoring facility. If theycannot produce these results, it would be inyour best interest to vacate the premises.

As far as the “barbarism” of body piercing,yes it is old, ancient in fact. Most cultures

practiced it, including theNative Americans, Meso-Americans, people fromAfrican nations, Europe,and Asia. Piercing is evenreferred to in the Bibleon many occasions, andnot in a derogatory sense.The lip piercing orLabret is documented as

having been an imperative fashion/spiritualaccessory for a “wise man” or sage, allowingthe bearer congress with Kings and Queens(Which explains Moses’ fear at not havingone to speak to the Pharaohs). Piercing hasbeen used by these cultures for millennia toshow individuality, and cultural ethnicity.Along with spiritual enlightenment, often thequest for a “animal spirit guide” in NativeAmerican religious practices was accompaniedby ritual body piercing (after which theywould indulge themselves, but usually notbefore the ceremony had been completed).The tongue piercing in particular had acertain symbolic importance in some cultures,the act performed by the triumphant motherafter the birth of an important child (Meso-America). Called the “Thorn of clear speech”it imparted the bearer with the clarity toconvey the virtues of life to the young child.

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 10

Tongue piercing isdangerous and stupid?

Piercing can be done safely, properly,intelligently , and painlessly. Look beforeengaging in any endeavor such as this, do yourresearch. Enjoy your new piercing, but maythe buyer beware, it’s your body, if you thinkin anyway that you could be compromisingyour health, don’t get anything done.

JEFF MARTIN-OUTREACH

JEFF@PIERCING .ORG

Changes in the Board

Kent Fazekas, loyal director and priorTreasurer of the APP has decided to stepdown as Chair, so that Gahdi Elias, formerlyVice Chair may be promoted to take his placefor the following term. He has toiled awayfor the APP and deserves a much needed rest.He wishes to thank the membership andsupporters for allowing him to be of service.

piercing at large

“TAKE A DEEP BREATH IN, NOW LET IT OUT

SLOWLY... THERE, IT’S FINISHED.“ STAINLESS

CAPTIVE DEFTLY INSERTED, CLOSURE

SECURED WITH A DIVOTED BALL. “WHAT DID

YOU THINK? TAKE A LOOK, IT’S BEAUTIFUL.TAKE CARE... IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS BE

SURE TO GIVE ME A CALL.”

What could be wrong with this? A wellplaced piercing performed with skill born ofyears of experience, along with an excellentbedside manner… The only thing missing isthe piercing studio. This piercing and sadlymany others each year are produced inunhygienic conditions in homes, hotel rooms,bars, clubs, etc. The risks taken when doing apiercing in locale such as these is enormous.

Hotels are notorious for harboring blood,semen, vaginal secretions, and other bodilyfluids on the bed sheets, hard surfaces, and inthe rest room. There can be no doubt thatthese will also be found in the home. Bars andclubs are full of intoxicated people, unable toproperly consent while under the influence,making poor decisions. The most saddeningthing about this situation is that this piercingwas done by a well liked, well known, and“responsible” piercer, not to mention thecontaminants that might have beenunknowingly introduced into theunsuspecting client.

In the studio, we can be fairly sure that withregular and proper disinfection, high level airfiltration systems, non porous walls, wrist/foot action sink fixtures, regular and dailymopping, biohazard containment (sharpscontainers, and contaminated trash) andremoval that we (the Association ofProfessional Piercers members) can ethicallypierce our clients without the fear that we willbe transmitting pathogenic biological orparticulate matter into any fresh (or healed)piercing. Even with the HIGHEST standardsof cross contamination control, the risk is stillpresent.

These negligent indiscretions need neverhappen. Piercing on the road must take placewithin the same moral, ethical, and legalstandard that is upheld in our studiosworldwide. Morally and ethically we cannotput our clients at risk, “Do no harm...” mustbe our motto.

JEFF MARTIN-OUTREACH

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 11

Advertising Rates*

HELP FUND OUR EFFORTS

IN SETTING THE STANDARD

FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

IN BODY PIERCING

FULL PAGE - 8.5X11”

1 ISSUE $250

2 ISSUES $245

3 ISSUES $240

FULL YEAR $235

HALF PAGE - 4.25X11” OR

8.5X5.5 ”

1 ISSUE $175

2 ISSUES $162.50

3 ISSUES $147.50

FULL YEAR $130

INDEX CARD -5X3”

1 ISSUE $110

2 ISSUES $100

3 ISSUES $90

FULL YEAR $75

BANNER - 8.25X1 .25”

1 ISSUE $75

2 ISSUES $65

3 ISSUES $60

FULL YEAR $45

CLASSIFIED WORD RATE TBA

PLEASE PAY IN FULL AND UP FRONT.

FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE .

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE

ANY AD.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE

TREASURER : BRIAN SKELLIE

404.378.9100

* ALL RATES PER ISSUE

BEFORE GETTING ANY PIERCING , YOU

MUST BE AWARE OF THE FACTS.

1. Piercing is very dangerous whennot performed under strict asepticguidelines.

2. Choose very carefully the persondoing this adornment for you.Remember there is no certification oraccreditation in body piercing, all suchclaims should be met with cynicism.

3. Piercing guns should never be usedto pierce someone, the risk is too high.

4. Check for routine monitoring ofthe sterilizer through spore testing.

5. Look at the jewelry, be sure that itis new, unused and free of sharp edgesand or scratches, nicks or burs whichcould hold biological material in themendangering the wearer.

6. Inquire to whether the “piercer” isaffiliated with any National orInternational Health and Safetyorganizations. (These organizations setstandards within the piercing communityaccording to standards set forth bygovernment agencies such as the Centerfor Disease Control (CDC), and theOccupational Health and SafetyAssociation (OSHA).

MThis informal survey is to be conducted inorder to gather statistical information aboutwomen in our industry and our industry ingeneral. This survey is not only for women,however. Both female and male results arenecessary not only for comparative questions,but also to provide an accurate assessment ofnon-gender related issues. We would greatlyappreciate your taking the time to fill this outand return it to the address below. Resultswill be available in the next issue of the Pointafter the data has been collected. Thank you

LIZ GETSCHAL & RENÉ MARTIN

Legislation update

California has passed two bills ab99 and thelong awaited ab186. They will be in effect in1998.

Ab99, this bill would make performing abody piercing to any persons under the age of18 years an infraction, unless performed inthe presence of, or as directed by a notarizedwriting by, that person's parent or legalguardian. This would be punishable by aminimum of a $250 fine for a first timeoffense.

AB186. Will allow the CCLHO(California conference of local healthofficers) to establish sterilization, sanitation,and safety standards. These standards must besubmitted by July 1, 1998, to the StateHealth Services. The legislation states that allthose engaged in Tattooing, Body Piercing,Permanent Cosmetics must register with thecounty health departments of the county inwhich the services are being performed. Thismust be done by December 31, 1998. Theregistrant shall pay a one time registration feeof $25 and an annual inspection fee of $105,the registrant shall obtain a copy of thedepartment's standards from the countyhealth department, provide a business address.Failure to register carries a minimum fine of$500.

Currently the health and safety standardsfor ab186 are being written. These standardsshould prove to be the most comprehensive inthe states. Universal precautions will bemandatory, and basic knowledge of piercingtechnique.

For more info contact your county healthdepartment after July 1, 1998.

GAHDI ELIAS-CHAIRPERSON

MAST@INETWORLD .NET

The Point Number 12, first quarter 1998 / Page 12

RESPONSES IN PRIOR TO JUNE 15TH ONLY WILL BE USED TO COALESCE

DATA

EMAIL TO: APP@PIERCING .ORG

FAX TO: 404-378-0027 MAIL TO: SURVEY, 1654 MCLENDON AVE. NE ATLANTA, GA

30307-2153

1. Are you female or male?2. Ratio of females to males in the studio you work in:3. Apprenticeship/self-taught?4. If you had an apprenticeship, how long did it last?5. Was your trainer a female or male?6. How long have you been piercing?7. Have you ever taken a piercing-related seminar?8. Which one(s)?9. For what specific purpose?10. Your job title/position:11. Length of employment in current studio: Length of employment in past studios?12. Have you ever/do you pierce out of a residential space?13. Your pay:14. Do you own a studio?15. If not, is owner female or male?16. Is owner a piercer?17. Have you contributed material to The Point (newsletter of the Association of

Professional Piercers (APP))?18. What kind of contributions did you make?19. Are you a member of the APP?20. Why/why not?21. Are you a former or current Board member of the APP? Which?22. Have you been involved directly in working with legislators about piercing regulation?23. Are you self-employed/an employee/independent contractor?24. Are you interested in job advancement (managerial position, studio ownership)?25. Do you feel you are currently qualified for job advancement?26. If not, what skills do you need to acquire?27. What other services/products are offered at your studio (tattooing, mendhi, clothing)28. Do you perform any of the other services or are you involved in selling other

products? Which?29. What drew you to this field?30. What other skills do you have aside from your current job?31. Do you have a college degree?32. What level (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) and major? 33. Did you graduate high school, get a GED, or neither?34. Are you single or married?35. Do you have children?36. Were you granted paid maternity/paternity leave (if you were piercing at that time)?37. Past career(s)?38. Simultaneous career(s)?39. Possible future career interests?40. Why would you be interested in changing careers?