Age doesn't matter, even kids can buy body piercing needles in Ohio

CLEVELAND - A NewsChannel5 investigation has found there are regulations or rules regarding the sale of piercing needles in Ohio.

"To me, it's shocking that it's so easily obtainable," said Richard Pflueger.

The Willoughby resident contacted NewsChannel5 investigators after his 12-year-old daughter purchased a piercing needle at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor on April Fool's Day.  It cost $4.

"At least give it a price that's more expensive than a school lunch," said Pflueger.  He said she bought the piercing needle and pierced her own belly button in their home's bathroom. "Obviously, I was furious with her for doing that. I am more furious it was so easy."

"To the best of my knowledge, there is no regulations in Ohio that prevent the sale of piercing needles," said Nancy Niehus, Lake County's environmental health director.

Niehus said you must be 18 to get pierced, unless a teen obtains parental permission. However, anyone of any age can legally buy a piercing needle.

"I think it's frightening. I think it's appalling and I think there needs to be some sort of law, at least restrictions, on who they sell these needles to, " said Pflueger.

Pflueger's daughter bought the needle at a kiosk called "Scream" in Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.

Billy Sidoti, a salesperson at the kiosk, told us the sale to Pflueger's daughter was a mistake. He said Scream has an "18 and over" policy when it comes to piercing needles, even though there is no legal requirement.

Sidoti also said the clerk who sold Pfluger's daughter a needle was a new employee who was unaware of the policy.

"She needs to be fired," said Sidoti.

Niehus said age is just one of issue when it comes to piercing needles sales.

"We wouldn't recommend self-piercing or amateur piercing of anyone." she said.

Niehus said amateur piercers are unaware of how to properly sterilize the needle, their body jewelry and the piercing.

"Maybe everything would be flawless and there's no problems. That's one side of the coin. The other side is that there could be some kind of a serous infection that could be  potentially life-threatening if not treated," she said.

Niehus said improper piercing can lead to staph infections and blood-borne disease like hepatitis.

We asked Sidoti if he gives information about health hazards to customers who purchases needles. He said, "No."

Pflueger said his daughter was not informed about proper piercing procedures or health hazards.

"The needle is sterilized. That's all they told her," said Pflueger.

Pflueger made his daughter remove her belly button piercing. So far, he said it's infection free. However, he's still angry his pre-teen was able to purchase a piercing needle.

"If you're not a professional piercer, or you don't have the prefix doctor before your name, you simply don't need them," he said.

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