Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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San Francisco Examiner - December 12, 2001
Tanya Pampalone, Of The Examiner Staff
That will change if Supervisor Mark Leno has his way
In an effort to regulate the fringe piercing industry that is rapidly becoming mainstream, Leno is calling for piercers to be licensed.
Prompted by an Examiner report on tongue piercing last week, Leno wrote the Department of Public Health asking whether a licensing program could be implemented in The City.
"With the popularity of piercing on the rise," he said, "I think it is our responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of San Franciscans who decide to proceed with piercing."
Leno is concerned about possible complications caused by body piercing, which can include allergic reactions, bacterial and blood infections, and even toxic shock syndrome.
In a loosely regulated industry that performs minor surgical operations daily, complications are always a possibility, even in the most sterile conditions. Dentists have been some of the most vocal opponents of oral piercings, because of common instances of broken teeth and receding gums.
A 1997 state law requires piercing practitioners to register by filling out a form, but anyone can register -- there are no requirements and no experience is required.
Legislators are still waiting for the California Department of Health Services to approve completed regulations that would comply with the 1997 law, but the local DPH is attempting its own regulation.
The department conducts inspections of local facilities, checking on sterilization equipment and sanitation procedures, as well as safety standards.
Still, many in the industry think piercing remains unregulated and lacks consistent inspections.
"Everyone's frustration is that no one is doing the inspections," Steve Joyner, spokesman for the Association of Professional Piercers, said.
If Joyner had his way, piercers would need a four-year degree, including courses in microbiology, anatomy, biology, chemistry and physiology.
"We want it to be the safest and healthiest thing to do," he said.
E-mail Tanya Pampalone at tpampalone@sfexaminer.com
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