SYDNEY, N.S. — Nova Scotia health officials say people who got tattoos or piercings at a business in Cape Breton could be at risk of contracting a blood-borne illness.
Dr. Frank Atherton, the acting medical officer of health, says people who got tattoos by Jeff Day at Bar Town Tattoos and Piercing in North Sydney may be at risk of becoming sick from instruments that were not properly sterilized.
He says that while it is a precautionary measure, they should contact their doctor to be tested since they could be at risk for hepatitis B and C and HIV.
He says they have not received reports of anyone becoming sick from a tattoo or piercing at the business.
Atherton says that following a complaint, inspectors met with Day, checked his tattooing equipment and practices and found they were not adequate.
Other tattoo establishments are being reviewed to see if the proper sterilization methods are being used.