Well, this isn’t good. Last week, we mentioned the predicament in which Moonshin Tattoo and Peel Region find themselves—namely that, after it was discovered Moonshin had neglected its book-keeping for its sterilization practices for four years and that the local government had made no efforts to inspect the premises, both are now the subjects of a $20 million lawsuit by people who had been customers at the shop during the aforementioned period.
CityNews is now reporting, as seen above, that a man who received a tattoo from Moonshin in that time-frame has been diagnosed with hepatitis B.
“A close friend of mine went there before and said they were professional,” revealed the father and husband.
“You should feel comfortable and [be able to] get artwork done without fearing anything happening to you.”
A grain of salt is necessary here: The man has asked to remain anonymous, and his claim alone doesn’t prove anything. But, he also mentions he’d had blood-work done prior to getting the tattoo that recorded him as having a clean bill of health. If this is in fact true, and there’s nothing in his personal life to suggest he was exposed to the disease anywhere but Moonshin, this is a case that could have far-reaching and potentially devastating effects on future legislation.
Once again, there is no excuse at this point for irresponsible record keeping (or worse, sloppy practices not even worthy of record keeping). If you’re in the body modification industry and want to be taken seriously and treated like a professional by the public at large, then the onus is on you. It’s no secret what’s at stake; the fact that your carelessness can wreak havoc on an entire industry should be common knowledge. This isn’t to say there aren’t client-side responsibilities as well, like getting frequent blood tests if you’re getting body modification work done regularly, but nonetheless.
Whether or not the man interviewed above is telling the truth (and hopefully we’ll find out for certain soon, one way or the other), the fact that this is gaining traction at all isn’t doing the industry as a whole any favors. If Moonshin hadn’t dropped the ball, this probably wouldn’t be a story in the first place.
Tattoo Parlour, Peel Sued Over Possible HIV, Hepatitis Exposure [CityNews]
Comments
78 responses to “Moonshin Tattoo Client Tests Positive for Hepatitis B”
As has been mentioned, this case will hinge on proving that this gentleman contracted Hep B due to negligence on the part of the staff of this studio. Trying to prove the source of an infection beyond reasonable doubt would surely become less likely as more and more time passes after the tattooing. If anyone can cite a case where the source of an infection had been proven/disproven, please post some info.
And I’m not defending the studio here. I don’t know if the studio was good, bad, the best, or the worst. But I think people are jumping to conclusions a little too quickly based on too little info. From what I read, the case is based on a failure to log sterilization adequately. Do they mean spore testing or logging of each sterilization cycle? There is no mention. If it is the former, then the fault may lie with the local health authorities and their failure to ensure that the studio had up-to-date information on the required standards of practice.
Up here in North Bay (also in Ontario), we were only told within the last year(ish) that we should be logging every cycle. The health unit were surprised and happy to see that we were already doing so. The studio in question had not been inspected in years. It is entirely possible that they were never told of this requirement.
As has been mentioned, this case will hinge on proving that this gentleman contracted Hep B due to negligence on the part of the staff of this studio. Trying to prove the source of an infection beyond reasonable doubt would surely become less likely as more and more time passes after the tattooing. If anyone can cite a case where the source of an infection had been proven/disproven, please post some info.
And I’m not defending the studio here. I don’t know if the studio was good, bad, the best, or the worst. But I think people are jumping to conclusions a little too quickly based on too little info. From what I read, the case is based on a failure to log sterilization adequately. Do they mean spore testing or logging of each sterilization cycle? There is no mention. If it is the former, then the fault may lie with the local health authorities and their failure to ensure that the studio had up-to-date information on the required standards of practice.
Up here in North Bay (also in Ontario), we were only told within the last year(ish) that we should be logging every cycle. The health unit were surprised and happy to see that we were already doing so. The studio in question had not been inspected in years. It is entirely possible that they were never told of this requirement.
Phil: Sorry, did not see that. Just figured they’d use footage from the shop on their video…
The vaccine in schools was introduced like, 2 years before I got it.. so I think 1994-1995? And I’m 24.. So then a lot of people older than 26 may not have had it?
The Hep A vaccine is really expensive according to my doctor, and I’m not sure if Hep B is one you have to pay for if you get it outside of school…
The guy could also be bullshitting and have got it someway else, and say, hey lawsuit! money for me!
But it’s still no excuse for a shop to cut corners.
Or no excuse for the health department to ignore something like that for so long..
Phil: Sorry, did not see that. Just figured they’d use footage from the shop on their video…
The vaccine in schools was introduced like, 2 years before I got it.. so I think 1994-1995? And I’m 24.. So then a lot of people older than 26 may not have had it?
The Hep A vaccine is really expensive according to my doctor, and I’m not sure if Hep B is one you have to pay for if you get it outside of school…
The guy could also be bullshitting and have got it someway else, and say, hey lawsuit! money for me!
But it’s still no excuse for a shop to cut corners.
Or no excuse for the health department to ignore something like that for so long..
San: He could very well be bullshitting however that will be for the court to decide.
Unfortunately for the shop and the industry in that city the court of public opinion will also decide with help of the media and and the public vote with their wallets.
San: He could very well be bullshitting however that will be for the court to decide.
Unfortunately for the shop and the industry in that city the court of public opinion will also decide with help of the media and and the public vote with their wallets.
San: Hep B vaccination is always free. Hep A you don’t have to pay for if you are in an “at risk” category of exposure, e.g. IV drug user, and they present you with a list of reasons you may require it. You are not required to state which risk category applies to you, you just have to say that you’re in one of those categories. So yeah, it’s not common knowledge I know, but you can get both for free at any health unit.
San: Hep B vaccination is always free. Hep A you don’t have to pay for if you are in an “at risk” category of exposure, e.g. IV drug user, and they present you with a list of reasons you may require it. You are not required to state which risk category applies to you, you just have to say that you’re in one of those categories. So yeah, it’s not common knowledge I know, but you can get both for free at any health unit.
For those working in Tattoo/Piercing Shops, rumor has it in Ontario working in a shop puts you in a high risk category to get the HEP A vaccine for free.
For those working in Tattoo/Piercing Shops, rumor has it in Ontario working in a shop puts you in a high risk category to get the HEP A vaccine for free.
i am one of those 3000 people… i got my tatt in 2007… i went and got my blood work done today… and hopefully in 2 weeks i can say i am free and clear…though this news has me a bit more freaked out because i havent gotten my results back and he is saying he’s got it… but didnt before the tattoo… keep us all in your thoughts that this will all turn out
i am one of those 3000 people… i got my tatt in 2007… i went and got my blood work done today… and hopefully in 2 weeks i can say i am free and clear…though this news has me a bit more freaked out because i havent gotten my results back and he is saying he’s got it… but didnt before the tattoo… keep us all in your thoughts that this will all turn out
I live so close to here, got my tattoo done at Xtremeties down the street.
Everyone told me to go to Moonshin but it was just too sketchy for me, lucky I didn’t. A lot of friends did and are getting tested, it’s really sad.
I live so close to here, got my tattoo done at Xtremeties down the street.
Everyone told me to go to Moonshin but it was just too sketchy for me, lucky I didn’t. A lot of friends did and are getting tested, it’s really sad.
Some information,
Again the media has gotten it wrong. The man in said article/television has not filed a case. Infact the Peel Board has no confirmed cases against this business. I know MoonShin and the owners, what I have always seen is new needles coming out of the boxes with the name Eikon disposable sterilize needles. Even the black and white tubes are all sterilize and single use!
When they used steel, they would show the chemical strips on the packaging and explain how the color changes when proved sterile! I KNOW THE OWNERS WERE VERY STRICK ON STERILIZATION, THEY WERE NEVER CLOSED AND THE LAST INSPECTION PAST!(I SAW THE INSPECTION REPORT AND CLAVE REPORTS)
The Health Board screwed this up, and a lawsuit is filed against the board.In time, the truth will come out. Wait for it, before you will even condem.
I was told by many that the Health Board workers who phoned them were claiming that they found HIV., Hep on their needles ( even on the toliet seat) etc.., they were re using their needles, dirty ink, auto clave never worked,( everything to scare you, with out any proof) and telling their clients all this, before the media was involved. Then of course the media exploitedd everything. Bad news sells!
Before condemming any business, I was told that the owners will wind up very rich after a few years in the courts.
G.S.
p.s. Ask the owners, and they will probally tell you,”no comment”, rumour has it, it was also a set up with the other competitor.
Some information,
Again the media has gotten it wrong. The man in said article/television has not filed a case. Infact the Peel Board has no confirmed cases against this business. I know MoonShin and the owners, what I have always seen is new needles coming out of the boxes with the name Eikon disposable sterilize needles. Even the black and white tubes are all sterilize and single use!
When they used steel, they would show the chemical strips on the packaging and explain how the color changes when proved sterile! I KNOW THE OWNERS WERE VERY STRICK ON STERILIZATION, THEY WERE NEVER CLOSED AND THE LAST INSPECTION PAST!(I SAW THE INSPECTION REPORT AND CLAVE REPORTS)
The Health Board screwed this up, and a lawsuit is filed against the board.In time, the truth will come out. Wait for it, before you will even condem.
I was told by many that the Health Board workers who phoned them were claiming that they found HIV., Hep on their needles ( even on the toliet seat) etc.., they were re using their needles, dirty ink, auto clave never worked,( everything to scare you, with out any proof) and telling their clients all this, before the media was involved. Then of course the media exploitedd everything. Bad news sells!
Before condemming any business, I was told that the owners will wind up very rich after a few years in the courts.
G.S.
p.s. Ask the owners, and they will probally tell you,”no comment”, rumour has it, it was also a set up with the other competitor.
I watched the news, read the newspapers.At the end of the day I haven`t read anything on this lawsuit against Peel Region or on MoonShin Tattoo.
I truly believe that bad news sells newspapers, like this article. The first two paragraphs, whow!!! , Then a grain of salt. Come on writer, where are your facts? Did he get it AND proved that it was by a tattoo? My simple questions are not answered.
These days, I would rather read fact, not what a reporter is re-hashing.
My only thought is” Moonshin Tattoo Client Tests Positive for Hepatitis B”.
Why now, we read nothing on a law suit from this man ( infact any lawsuit). In fact, I was given something extra from a tattoo, I would make it a real point to mass media, to keep it in the news, ( after all a 20 million doller suit is very news worthy) This is not happening!
Why are the owners not in jail for infecting all these people?
Something smells horrible here and until the truth comes out, we will never know. I am not going to jump onto any band wagon until I know a lot more then what I have read in the papers.
Lola
I watched the news, read the newspapers.At the end of the day I haven`t read anything on this lawsuit against Peel Region or on MoonShin Tattoo.
I truly believe that bad news sells newspapers, like this article. The first two paragraphs, whow!!! , Then a grain of salt. Come on writer, where are your facts? Did he get it AND proved that it was by a tattoo? My simple questions are not answered.
These days, I would rather read fact, not what a reporter is re-hashing.
My only thought is” Moonshin Tattoo Client Tests Positive for Hepatitis B”.
Why now, we read nothing on a law suit from this man ( infact any lawsuit). In fact, I was given something extra from a tattoo, I would make it a real point to mass media, to keep it in the news, ( after all a 20 million doller suit is very news worthy) This is not happening!
Why are the owners not in jail for infecting all these people?
Something smells horrible here and until the truth comes out, we will never know. I am not going to jump onto any band wagon until I know a lot more then what I have read in the papers.
Lola
this guy needs to stop takin it in the pooper and then makin false accusations against Moonshin!!
got my memorial tat dun there… NOTHIN CAME UP ON RESULTS! my friend had piercing and 3tats + baby… NOTHING ON RESULTS at child birth! her aunt had 46tats dun there… STILL NOTHING!
this guy needs to stop takin it in the pooper and then makin false accusations against Moonshin!!
got my memorial tat dun there… NOTHIN CAME UP ON RESULTS! my friend had piercing and 3tats + baby… NOTHING ON RESULTS at child birth! her aunt had 46tats dun there… STILL NOTHING!
I was tattooed at Moonshin shop in 2005 and 2006 by Chuckster, and i was very pleased with the out come, and yes; he used a brand new needle on me every time and he put plastic covering on the tattoo gun as well…i get myself tested in 2008 for HIV and STDS and all my result are negative. I get like about 15 tattoos done there and I’m fine, so i don’t know what’s going on here…i wish them the best of luck
P.S. hmm…I think it’s a setup by one of their competitor, and if that’s the case shame and them. Also remember karma can be a bitch.
I was tattooed at Moonshin shop in 2005 and 2006 by Chuckster, and i was very pleased with the out come, and yes; he used a brand new needle on me every time and he put plastic covering on the tattoo gun as well…i get myself tested in 2008 for HIV and STDS and all my result are negative. I get like about 15 tattoos done there and I’m fine, so i don’t know what’s going on here…i wish them the best of luck
P.S. hmm…I think it’s a setup by one of their competitor, and if that’s the case shame and them. Also remember karma can be a bitch.
Well here it is 2011 and not one person has come forward with anything about Moonshin. It’s too bad that good people were forced to close down because one of their competition sent an anonymous call to the Peel Board. Nothing has been proved.
My tattoos were done by Evel and I never had a problem. I hope to see Chuckster and Evel get back in business and do their job.
One employee that they could do without is the Korean woman Gwan Soon. She was so rude when I went in for a piercing.
Everyone else was great. It was like going to a party and Chuckster and Evel had it made.
Well here it is 2011 and not one person has come forward with anything about Moonshin. It’s too bad that good people were forced to close down because one of their competition sent an anonymous call to the Peel Board. Nothing has been proved.
My tattoos were done by Evel and I never had a problem. I hope to see Chuckster and Evel get back in business and do their job.
One employee that they could do without is the Korean woman Gwan Soon. She was so rude when I went in for a piercing.
Everyone else was great. It was like going to a party and Chuckster and Evel had it made.
I have heard and seen that Chuckster and Evel have opened a shop in Peel Region under the heading of The Dawn of Evel. The website is http://www.thedawnofevel.com. It is located about two door down from Gwan Soon, who left Chuckster because of the head ache this scare caused.They are now in the middle of a divorce and this is a pretty bad story too.
Also too, did anyone else recieve a letter stating that the Peel Health Board has decided to pay out of court settlement for the scare that they cause to all of us. I was told, it was over 5000 people tested and not one case of anything. I recieved mine back about a month or two.
Lastly, I stated this before and will say it again. The media is only interested in selling news, not the true facts .
Peace out
Lolas
I have heard and seen that Chuckster and Evel have opened a shop in Peel Region under the heading of The Dawn of Evel. The website is http://www.thedawnofevel.com. It is located about two door down from Gwan Soon, who left Chuckster because of the head ache this scare caused.They are now in the middle of a divorce and this is a pretty bad story too.
Also too, did anyone else recieve a letter stating that the Peel Health Board has decided to pay out of court settlement for the scare that they cause to all of us. I was told, it was over 5000 people tested and not one case of anything. I recieved mine back about a month or two.
Lastly, I stated this before and will say it again. The media is only interested in selling news, not the true facts .
Peace out
Lolas
There are many cases I have found about shops being linked to infecting clients. How ever I have a much harder time finding any cases where freelance businesses doing tattoos have infected any clients. So whats that tell you. I think freelance is better in many ways.
There are many cases I have found about shops being linked to infecting clients. How ever I have a much harder time finding any cases where freelance businesses doing tattoos have infected any clients. So whats that tell you. I think freelance is better in many ways.