Body Art
What Is It?
Body art includes tattooing, permanent cosmetics (lips, eyebrows, eyeliner, eye shadow), body piercing and branding.
Is It Safe?
As these procedures pierce the skin, the potential to introduce bloodborne pathogens creates the risk of infection. There are also concerns regarding the potential toxicity of certain heavy metals and pigments that are utilized during these procedures. Potential health risks include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Bacterial and/or viral infections
- Allergic Reactions
Assembly Bill 300 (The Safe Body Art Act) was signed into law on October 9, 2011 by Governor Jerry Brown. This law was effective on January 1, 2012.
Inyo County does not have an ordinance governing body art practice. However, the county Environmental Health Services Department does register and permit these facilities.
Our program includes guidelines, interim standards, and the establishment of an exposure control plan. Facilities are inspected annually.