Health risk in Oshawa

Story & video: Chantal da Silva
Oshawa residents are being warned of a potential health risk in the city. A tattooist in the south Oshawa area is under investigation, as clients may have been exposed to non-sterile equipment.
The tattooist provided services in both mobile and home visits and the Durham Region Health Department is asking residents to take caution.
Although no evidence of infection has been found, the health department has halted all services done by the artist, due to the possibility of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Glendene Collins, media representative for the Durham Region Health Department, is asking parents in the area to speak to their children about the incident. If required, they can then contact the Environmental Help Line. “We will then follow-up,” she said.
Anyone who has received tattoos or piercings between Oct. 1, 2010 and Jan. 17, 2011 are advised to call the health department’s help line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, extension 2188.
Wild Ink Tattooing located on Simcoe Street North, has been in the tattoo and piercing business since 1998 and their manager, Tim Burns, said exceeding the basic health regulations is their priority.
“They aren’t doing enough to stop tattooists who are working from home,” said Burns. “They are everywhere, I can tell you of two people just down the street from here. It’s so dangerous.”
Wild Ink employees urge those who are interested in getting a tattoo or piercing to do their research and make an informed decision.
To learn more about safe body art, watch the video below.