Youth and tattoos: What school health personnel should know

Though tattooing has been practiced by various cultures for centuries, this art form has undergone dramatic changes the past few decades. Today, tatto os appeal to diverse populations and mainstream culture. The proliferation of tattooing prompted increased concern for safety and awareness of hazardo us conditions. Transmission of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, and theoretically HIV, can occur when proper sterilization and safety p rocedures are not followed. While there are many populations at risk, a cri tical at-risk group is adolescents. Tattooing among adolescents is a risk-t aking behavior that warrants the attention of health education in assisting adolescents in becoming informed decision-makers. Teaching and advocacy st rategies are suggested, and roles for school health personnel are presented .