REGULATION OF TATTOOING

REGULATION OF TATTOOING

16.

Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Health in view of the widespread risk of infections from tattooing whether he will consider regulating this activity so that only those who are registered can perform it and also impose a minimum age limit for anyone wishing to be tattooed.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: All invasive procedures carry the risk of transmitting an infection through contamination. Tattooing is an invasive procedure and poses such a risk. However, the risk can be eliminated through proper infection control measures.

There were two cases of Hepatitis B linked to tattooing in the 1970s. With enhanced infection control measures, we have since not received any reported case of a notifiable infectious disease linked definitively to tattooing or body piercing.

But with more children going for tattooing and body piercing, I understand the concerns of their parents. My Ministry is reviewing the regulatory experience overseas to see if we should also introduce some regulations here, especially with a view to protecting the minors.

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