Body Piercing in Perspective
Wednesday, December 6, 2006; Page A24
While our organization does not seek to play down the risks associated with body piercing, we are concerned when articles take unrelated case studies and suggest that they are a realistic indicator of the risks involved ["The Price of Piercing," Health, Nov. 7].
True, it can be argued that an increase in the number of such cases points to previously unforeseen risks associated with piercing. But it can also be said that, with tens of thousands of piercings performed professionally every year, the rarity of these cases is more a testament to the safety of the practice than to its hazards.
Exaggerating the normal risks associated with piercing doesn't do anyone any good. Only when those on both sides of the issue are honest, forthcoming and realistic about those risks do we get what we all want: an educated public.
JAMES WEBER
Medical Liaison
Association of Professional Piercers
Philadelphia
