Illegal piercings and tattoos have result in young people getting infections and experiencing other health problems. This is because unlicensed piercers and tattooists often do not follow the hygiene and sanitation laws required of professionals. Scratchers or piercers and tattooists at poke and stick parties often do not sterilize their equipment or use fresh needles with each person.

A recent example of the perils of unhygienic tattoo practices occurred in Colerain, Ohio. In May 2004, two Colerain high school students became sick after visiting an apartment that housed an unlicensed tattoo and body piercing studio. At least 150 students from four area high schools were estimated to have visited the apartment for tongue piercings and tattoos. Police found the studio’s sterilization procedures to be lax. Health officials advised the students to see a doctor about possible exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Police throughout the country are cracking down on illegal piercing and tattooing because of the health risks. For example, Tony Pippin, who lived at the apartment in Colerain where the piercing and tattoos were done, was arrested. He faced misdemeanor charges for running an unlicensed tattoo or body piercing business and doing procedures without parental consent.

Minors have also faced charges for giving their peers tattoos and piercings. In June 2004 Oneonta, New York, state police charged Reaves A. Kimbel, age seventeen, with two counts of unlawfully dealing with a child. It is illegal to tattoo anyone under eighteen in New York. Kimbel allegedly gave tattoos to a fourteen year old and a fifteen year old.

As a result of these legal issues, some professional piercers and tattoo artists have implemented rules that are even stricter than their state laws. For example, Wyoming minors are allowed to get tattoos if they have parental consent. Even so, tattoo artist Mike Wicks refuses to tattoo anyone under age sixteen. He will tattoo minors age sixteen and over only if both they and their parents bring a photo ID, sign forms of consent, and answer questions regarding intoxication, pregnancy, and diseases.