Ajax salon where piercings done had faulty sterilizer

[Guest guest]

Ajax salon where piercings done had faulty sterilizer

Sep 10, 2007 08:14 PM Tamara Cherry Staff Reporter

A faulty sterilizer used for body piercings at an Ajax nail salon has local public health officials asking anyone who was pierced over a two-month period this summer to give them a call.

Recent test results found the "autoclave" sterilizer used for body piercings that require a needle - as opposed to a piercing gun used with many ear piercings - may have malfunctioned sometime between April 30 and June 24 at 68 Degree Nail and Aesthetic on Harwood Ave. S., just south of Highway 401.

"The possible use of non-sterile equipment for body piercings could lead to transmission of diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV," the Durham Region health department said in a news release today.

Anyone who received a body piercing with a needle at the salon between the dates in question is asked to call 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an information package.

Those who had body piercings done during the specified time period are asked to "avoid sharing clipper razors, toothbrushes and other personal items, and to use a condom during sexual activity," until the health department can rule out the possibility that an infectious disease was transmitted.

Salon owner Myan Dong said the majority of her business is performed through manicures and pedicures. Since the health department launched their investigation, body piercings that use needles have been discontinued, Dong said.

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/255067