Toronto tattoo parlour clients at risk

Toronto's public health department is advising anyone who got a tattoo or body piercing at It's Just Body Art in the past year to get tested for blood-borne diseases.

The shop at 1072 Wilson Ave.used inadequate infection control practices between Sept. 28, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2010, Toronto Public Health said in anews release.

Clients they may have been exposed to the "potential spread of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C," the health authority said.

There have been no reports of infections connected to the shop, said Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, associate medical officer of health.

"The risk is very low, but as a precaution, we are advising anyone who received a tattoo or body piercing at this location to see their doctor to be tested for these infections."

Equipment used for piercing and tattooing must be sterile and the sterilizers must be tested every two weeks.