Body modification comes in many forms including piercings, tattoos, scarifications, and even altering the appearance of the body with clothing or special procedures. One of the most common forms of body modification is tattoo art. Tattoos have become more popular over the last century and are no longer considered just for gangs, bikers or criminals. With the popularity of tattoos comes judgment from the public and potential employers. Companies should allow employees to participate in body modification because body modification promotes self-identification and is, in fact, safe when performed with the right equipment; from the right studio. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body modification and tattooing are nothing new; they date back thousands of years in history. According to a British website, many in Ancient Egypt, tattoos were considered signs of hierarchy and fertility. Mummies dating back 5,300 years have been found with multiple tattoos. Even in the late 19th century, tattoos were worn as fashion statements by English and European royalty, such as kings, queens, dukes, and prime ministers. Winston Churchill and King George V. the Duke of Newcastle are among the royals to have tattoos. Body modifications had become a representation of power and purpose. Tattoos over the years have gone from being a sign of belonging to a high rank in the chain of command, to being fashionable, to being worn by thieves and barbarians, and then back to being fashion statements. Tattoo parties were popular in England during the Victorian era. Women would gather to socialize, have a cup of tea, and add artwork to their tattoo collection. Tattoos and body modifications have long been seeded in the history of our world. There are many different reasons why an individual might choose to undergo body modifications, but personal identity often plays an important role. Most tattoos have a meaning or significance to the wearer. Tattoos are a permanent body modification that most people put a lot of thought and research into before choosing which image to tattoo on their skin. Tattoos can serve as a memorial to a loved one who has passed away, an ode to a son, daughter or family member, or even tell the story of a difficult time the individual has gone through. Sometimes they may reflect an individual's favorite band, sport, hobby or character. The famous actor Johnny Depp once said: “My body is my diary and my tattoos are my story”. Ultimately, regardless of the tattoo motif, one thing is certain: every tattoo has an authentic meaning for the client. Body modification, in fact, can be done safely when the correct equipment is used. According to an OSHA website, tattoo artists must follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) standards for their own safety and that of their clients. Artists must use a brand new, disposable needle for each client. They are also required to use appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves, masks and gowns to protect against cross-contamination of body fluids. Tattoo artists must use pre-packaged equipment, which can only be used once before being disposed of. All paper stencils should be thrown away after each use. Reusable equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized in ahigh heat disinfectant such as an autoclave. When using proper, clean equipment, getting a tattoo is generally safe and poses little risk. Another important component that plays into the safety of body modification is the location you choose to perform the modification or tattoo and who you choose to apply the tattoo. The environment plays a huge factor in the outcome and success of the tattoo. While the environment in a tattoo studio is generally fun, the most important necessity is cleanliness. Likewise the salon must meet OSHA standards. A good law-abiding tattoo salon will maintain proper sanitation requirements. According to OSHA standards, waiting and working areas must be kept separate; the floor must not be covered with carpet. There must also be adequate lighting and clean, functioning facilities. Each artist must have their own work area and containers for storing materials. Waste must be disposed of properly in a hygienic manner using appropriately marked hazardous waste containers, including all materials contaminated with blood. Additionally, finding a reputable professional tattoo artist is a valuable consideration for safe body modification, especially tattooing. Any serious potential client should look for an experienced, qualified and licensed expert. Customers must request a portfolio to view previous artwork the artist has completed. The expert should also have a clean and hygienic appearance. Those who don't should probably be avoided and even eliminated from the list of potential artists to avoid in potential health risks. Any esteemed professional artist will have a clean studio, work area and be able to apply a tattoo flawlessly with minimal pain. They should also provide aftercare advice and recommendations for the best tattoo outcome. Body modifications performed by a professional in a healthcare setting will provide the best and safest results. There are those who oppose body modification. For example, many employers require that body modifications, such as tattoos, be covered. This can especially be a problem for job seekers depending on the location of the tattoo and the ability to cover it as needed. The justice system has consistently ruled in favor of employers allowing them to enforce these policies and not consider them discrimination. Many also believe that body modifications are unsafe due to the possible risks involved in the process. As with any procedure involving needles and blood exposure, there are potential risks. Smaller, less serious conditions can include rashes and irritations such as psoriasis and eczema. There are many reports of such conditions occurring after the tattoo has healed, even years later. Allergies are another risk to be aware of when considering a tattoo. Some tend to have allergic reactions to the ink or dyes used during the application process, and most have reported having an allergic reaction to a specific color used in the tattoo. Another possible risk is an infection such as staph infection that can occur during the healing process if the tattoo does not receive proper care, prolonging the healing process. Unsanitary equipment can lead to more serious risks of hepatitis B or C and HIV. These risks demonstrate the importance of sterile equipment and work areas. However, tattoos have become very popular in society and can be safe if applied correctly...