Stop order issued to Thunder Bay tattoo artists

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has issued an order to a city couple to stop offering home-based tattoo services until they're inspected.

The Health Unit reports Andy Hrycyshyn and Taisha Rose have been providing tattoo services in the city for at least six months at variouslocations and may have gone to peoples homes as well.

The citys medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, said tattoooperators don't need a licence, but they do need an inspection.

Williamssaid this is "to ensure that they have the proper equipment [and] that they're following the proper procedures ...offering the services in a safe and infectious free way," such as not re-using material and using proper infection control procedures.

No charges will be laid against Hrycyshyn and Rose, as they complied with the order to stop performing these services.

Contact health unit with concerns

Williams said the health unit has not recorded any health concerns relating to the tattoo operation. However, the health unit "could not determine the number of clients," he said.

That's why the health unit issued a press release informing the public about the tattoo operation so if there are any health concerns, people should contact them.

Williams said, while a tattoo is being done, the skin is pierced andbacteria and viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C HIV and other skin infectionscan easily enter the body if proper infection control procedures are not in place.

Anyone who may have received a tattoo fromAndy Hrycyshyn or Taisha Roseand has concerns is asked to contact the health units infectious diseases program at 625-8318 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 8318.

Meanwhile,the Health Unit recommends anyone considering getting a tattoo in the city should make sure the tattooing business they're using has been inspected. The health unit will provide a list of inspected tattoo businesses on request.