Customers fear
HIV infections from closed Iowa tattoo shop

Customers of a shut-down tattoo business in Burchinal, Iowa, have been phoning the Cerro Gordo County health department inquiring whether they could be at risk for health problems from their tattoos. Freeky Inks Tattoos was recently closed by the health department for not having a business license and not practicing proper needle sterilization procedures.

Iowa law requires both the tattoo artist and the business to be licensed. Tina Solomon operated the business out of her home. Solomon had applied for a license in 2003 but was not granted one, said Brian Hanft, county health department environmental services manager. "She was using a pizza oven and trying to [sterilize needles] that way," said Hanft. The department is recommending blood tests for anyone who received services at the shop. Improperly sterilized tattoo needles pose a risk of diseases, including hepatitis and HIV. (AP)