Body-Piercing Has AIDS Risk

Your article, "Noses and Nipples With Holes," concluded by saying that "infections can arise if body -piercers are not properly cared for and cleaned. But none of the students interviewed said their pierces have led to health problem."

Infections might be the most apparent health problem, but the are by no means the most serious. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus can be transmitted through the use of contaminated needles. People considering body-piercing, tattooing or scarification should make sure that the needles, blades or any other instruments used are new or have been properly sterilized. When in doubt, ask.

Be sure you know how things are properly sterilized. Otherwise, you might put yourself at risk of contracting something more than a nasty infection. Daniela Bleichmar '96   AIDS Education and Outreach