Tattoos have never been more popular in Canada, with over 21% of Canadians sporting at least one tattoo. No longer taboo or counterculture, tattoos have gone mainstream. As a result, tattoo parlours have sprung up across the country; you’ll find them in towns and cities across Alberta, in malls and in private homes. Unfortunately, the popularity of and demand for tattoos has resulted in a proliferation of unlicensed shops and artists.
Tattoo Parlour Licensing in Alberta
Licensed tattoo parlours are inspected and approved by Alberta Health Services. A typical tattoo needle pierces the skin at a rate of 3,000 times per minute and each time is an opportunity for harmful bacteria to enter the body. Dirty needles and unclean environments can cause hepatitis, staph infections, or even MRSA, which may require intense antibiotic therapy or hospitalization. Because of this, hygiene is of utmost importance. Here are some things to look for when evaluating a tattoo shop:
- Look for the license; it should be prominently displayed
- Request a copy of the most recent health inspection report
- Make sure the shop has been inspected, approved by contacting Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health – Edmonton and Calgary
- Look around – is the place clean, organized, and well-maintained?
- Ask about the sterilization and sanitation procedures in place (reusing ink or needles, wearing gloves, etc.)
- Consider the price – great tattoos by great artists in great parlours are not cheap
- The shop should ask you to fill out a detailed consent form, and explain the risks of getting a tattoo
There are risks associated with tattoos even in the cleanest environments. The body can have an adverse reaction to tattoo ink months or even years after the tattoo. Recently, certain tattoo inks have been recalled for bacterial contamination straight from the factory. Bacteria from the ink enter the bloodstream causing a severe infection resulting in a serious condition known as sepsis, a whole-body inflammation. You can reduce your risk by confirming that your shop of choice uses well-known brand name inks.
Tattoo Removal Lawyer for Calgary and Alberta
Around 17% of people regret their tattoos. For those people, laser tattoo removal is an attractive option, and tattoo removal businesses have proliferated in Alberta with the increased popularity of tattoos. Unfortunately, the tattoo removal procedure can sometimes result in severe burns or scarring when done by an inexperienced practitioner.
If you’ve been injured or made ill as a result of a tattoo, or a tattoo removal procedure, we can help. Our experienced Alberta personal injury lawyers can take the hassle out of making a claim, and we can protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and we’ll get you set up with a lawyer who can evaluate your case and answer your questions.
