Folklore and rumors, you gotta love'em. It never ceases to amaze me what some people will believe. Folklore example: "I heard if you pierce that part of your ear your face will go numb." Not true! But, I go numb every time I hear that. Here’s another example: I heard if you get your tongue pierced on that vein, it will swell and you’ll choke to death." Again, not true. A professional will tell you what to expect with a body art procedure, including easing any fears about folklore you may have heard.

Next come rumors, which the dictionary defines as statements in general circulation, which have no basis in fact. And, frequently, the more outlandish the rumor the more people believe it. For example, to gain a competitive advantage, some tattoo and body piercing shop operators will accuse others of not sterilizing their equipment. Truth is, all tattoo and piercing shops in Delaware are regulated and inspected by the Division of Public Health, and are required to possess, use and maintain sterile equipment and procedures. If a shop were to fail to do so, its license would be revoked and it would be required to close. American Art has been in continuous operation since 1990, has complied with all required sterilization and operating procedures set by the Division of Public Health, and has never been cited for any alleged violation. If you have any concerns about a tattoo shop you anticipate using, you can check on license compliance issues by calling the Division of Public Health at (302) 995-8630.

The best advice about dealing with rumors is, first, to consider the source. Does the person spreading the rumor have a motive for doing so? For example, should you automatically believe a used car salesman who says something bad about a competitor? Second, consider if there is an easy way to check the facts. Like calling the Division of Public Health, regarding sterilization requirements for tattoo and body piercing shops. And third, if a shop operator is willing to use rumors to get your business, it is reasonable to trust that operator to do a professional tattoo or piercing procedure on your body at a fair price? Use common sense folks.