Lawmaker proposes new body piercing rules

(NECN: Leslie Gaydos) - Nose rings, tongue studs, bellybutton rings. Body piercings are a common sight these days. A state lawmaker wants to make sure the practice is done safely in Massachusetts. He is proposing legislation that would require the State Department of Public Health to draft new rules and regulations for body piercing. Some body art professionals support the effort because it would weed out the dangerous businesses that give the industry a bad reputation. The joint committee on public health is taking up a bill that would regulate body piercing in the state and outlaw piercing for anyone under the age of 18 unless they are accompanied by a parent. The bill, which does not include ear piercings, is sponsored by State Representative Bruce Ayers of Quincy. “We are not trying to take away or encroach on anyone’s right or freedom to body pierce, but rather make sure that there are proper protections in place if someone chooses to do that.” “Making sure that the workplace is clean and sterilized that the tools and equipment are clean and sterilized, that there is education, training, apprenticeships, client consent.” 28 states currently regulate body piercing. In Massachusetts it is up to each city and town to implement an ordinance based on recommendations by the Department of Public Health. Chameleon Tattoo and body piercing has been in business for years in Cambridge, where the city strictly regulates the practice. “Cambridge board of health is extremely strict which is what we like because we have no problem adhering to their standards and anyone who does has no place offering the service.” Nostril studs are the most popular choice here, and chameleon does not provide body piercing for anyone under the age of 16. Owen Beane is the head piercer. “As someone who has been doing it for as long as I have the people who don't adhere to the rules and guidelines I end up with their messes. I have plenty of parents that bring their kids in and say look at what my kid got done without me there. Is it okay? What do I do?” “If someone chooses to pierce their body we have an obligation to make sure that the state is doing its job and if someone has a son or daughter that wants to pierce their body, the businesses that are in this practice should have the regulations for their health and well being.”