More Taboo Than Tattoos: An introduction to invasive and unusual body art procedures
Abstract
Background: In recent decades, tattoos and piercings have surged in popularity, but certain body art modifications remain prohibited or restricted in many states. Understanding the public health considerations behind these regulatory decisions is crucial for effective health education and regulation.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify articles that explore the evolution of body art regulations and prohibited procedures. Sixty-nine articles published between 1979 and 2023 were identified for inclusion in the review. Information relating to the rapid development of body art rules across the United States was compiled and used as an introduction to prohibited procedures. During the in-person presentation, examples of the tools used during select prohibited body art procedures will be presented to the attendees (including branding, scarification, and tooth gems, among others).
Results: Body art procedures were banned in many municipalities across the United States during the 1960s and '70s. Body art procedures, specifically tattoos, then became largely legal in the 1990s and 2000s with it being legalized in all 50 states by 2006. Some body art procedures remain prohibited due to the use of medical devices, implants, the creation of permanent skin breaks, and the potential for future medical complications.
Conclusion: Understanding the historical progression of body art regulations will help provide context that public health professionals can use to approach this topic. Additionally, describing prohibited procedures and showing the tools used will help with identifying when and where these procedures are done. This presentation ultimately aims to help attendees learn about the balance between individual expression and public health considerations.
Keywords
body art, environmental health, regulation, body modification
More Taboo Than Tattoos: An introduction to invasive and unusual body art procedures
Background: In recent decades, tattoos and piercings have surged in popularity, but certain body art modifications remain prohibited or restricted in many states. Understanding the public health considerations behind these regulatory decisions is crucial for effective health education and regulation.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify articles that explore the evolution of body art regulations and prohibited procedures. Sixty-nine articles published between 1979 and 2023 were identified for inclusion in the review. Information relating to the rapid development of body art rules across the United States was compiled and used as an introduction to prohibited procedures. During the in-person presentation, examples of the tools used during select prohibited body art procedures will be presented to the attendees (including branding, scarification, and tooth gems, among others).
Results: Body art procedures were banned in many municipalities across the United States during the 1960s and '70s. Body art procedures, specifically tattoos, then became largely legal in the 1990s and 2000s with it being legalized in all 50 states by 2006. Some body art procedures remain prohibited due to the use of medical devices, implants, the creation of permanent skin breaks, and the potential for future medical complications.
Conclusion: Understanding the historical progression of body art regulations will help provide context that public health professionals can use to approach this topic. Additionally, describing prohibited procedures and showing the tools used will help with identifying when and where these procedures are done. This presentation ultimately aims to help attendees learn about the balance between individual expression and public health considerations.
