The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) believes there should be better controls on a wide range of beauty treatments.
The availability of online beauty treatments and products such as DIY tattoo kits pose a significant public health threat as they can be brought with no regard to the consumer’s age or ability. These kits often come without proper instructions and, in the wrong hands, can cause serious infections and even death.
Skin piercing
Practitioners of the following activities have to be registered with their local authority environmental health department:
Acupuncture
Ear-piercing
Electrolysis
Tattooing
Cosmetic piercing
Semi-permanent skin colouring
The CIEH believes:
There should be a minimum age of consent for all skin piercing. Piercing below the neck should be illegal for those under 16.
Whatever system of control is chosen, the CIEH believes it is essential that all new practitioners undergo approved training and that all practitioners demonstrate continuing competence in their work activities.
Possession of an approved training certificate could be one of the criteria for any licensing scheme.
Notes to editors
- The CIEH is the UK’s leading provider of accredited food safety and health and safety qualifications
- The CIEH’s 50 qualification training programmes are delivered through a network of over 10,000 registered trainers. The training is developed for the varied skill levels within organisations. They cater to different learning styles and preferences through a series of flexible structures. CIEH qualifications are OFQUAL (formerly QCA) accredited and are valued and recognised throughout the world
- The CIEH is the professional voice for environmental health representing over 10,000 members working in the public, private and non-profit sectors. It ensures the highest standards of professional competence in its members, in the belief that through environmental health action people's health can be improved
- For more information about the CIEH visit www.cieh.org
- For CIEH media enquiries, please contact Andrew Hamadanian on 0207 827 5922 or 07944 262 100