When getting this work done, you wouldn't want to risk an infection that might leave an unsightly scar. If your tattoo artist uses ultrasonic cleaners, at least the tools will be clean.

If you’ve made the decision to deface—er—adorn yourself with body art or piercings, you want to be sure you don’t put your health at risk to do so. The City of Philadelphia has a set of regulations governing tattoo and piercing establishments. There are provisions for ensuring the furniture and fixtures are easily cleanable, there’s adequate hot and cold clean running water, and the operators are healthy and clean.  In addition, the document spells out requirements for cleaning, sterilizing, and storing the tools used to create the body art. One key provision states the need for ultrasonic cleaners: “After each tattooing operation, the tubes and needle bars shall be placed in an ultrasonic-type machine to remove any foreign material.”

For further information visit www.phila.gov.

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