AIR in in hospitals is a source of microorganisms. Air disinfection reduces wound infection rates as measured in hospital settings. Effective air disinfection equipment requires professional engineering and room air flow pattern studies plus close monitoring. Filtering units placed other than at the source of new air mixes the disinfected air with untreated air and significantly diminishes effectiveness. Treatment must occur where the air actually enters the room. Air change rates listed as so many times per hour for modular filtration units is not an indication of any amount of room disinfection. Filtration is not as effective as Ultra Violet treatment. UV however requires equipment that can be dangerous and ineffective if not professionally installed and diligently maintained by a knowledgeable staff.  There is no reason to suspect a dangerous concentration of pathogenic air-borne microorganisms in non-medical settings.
Air-borne sources are problematic. Fungus and mold are the only microorganisms that can be detected to a degree, and everything depends on where the test is done, how it is done because it leads to no wider conclusions about air generally. Even spores settle out of the air at a rate of 3 feet per hour. There are no reasons to suspect normal air as being a source of infection.

SNEEZING and COUGHING are dangers for airborne spread of infectious microorganisms in a normal environment that we would like to keep as free of microorganisms as possible. The aerodynamics, just like a spray gun, produces great numbers of droplet nuclei which will be suspended in air and for long periods of time. It is these suspended particles that carry infectious microorganisms that spreads disease. A sneeze or cough into a tissue prevents aerosol projection and transmission of airborne infectious microorganisms.. Once on the tissue surface the tissue can be safely discarded and the spread of possible air borne contamination eliminated. Sneezing and coughing must always be done into a tissue. Have an easily accessible supply of tissues for customers and visitors.

PETS: Because dogs and cats may transmit more than 30 illnesses to humans their presence raises concern although their is little information available to determine if the risk is of any significance.

CHILDREN are at greater risk than adults of getting disease. At the least children should only be allowed in a secure separate waiting area that does not contain contaminated items.

CARPETING has been shown to contain higher levels of microbial populations than hard surface flooring. Although studies have failed to link carpeting with any increase in infection rates or the spread of disease the expense and difficulty of maintaining carpeting in a sanitary condition is formidable and probably not achievable in a tattoo or piercing area.

Floor, Walls and Ceilings are sometimes specified as needing to be impervious, easily cleanable, etc. to prevent the spread of disease. Whereas these qualities would be esthetic, studies show the opposite. 
It is not the physical environment that spreads disease but patients in hospitals who contaminate the floor, walls and ceilings.  These requirements for tattoo have no justification and are contrary to published study.  We applaud our advanced NYC DOHMH for opposing these types of regulations as a waste of tax-payer monies having no effect whatsoever on infection rates. (Decreasing infection rates is the justification for regulation.  Everyone subject to regulation should ask for a review of the results of regulations to evaluate their effectiveness.)  It is the responsibility of any health department promulgating regulations to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their work to see if they are being successful and if any changes are needed to be made in their practices or principles.  Unfortunately asking this kind of question would be very confrontational because there is nothing to report, no evaluations or assessments are made.  In short, there are no plans to see if the regulations actually work to decrease infection rates.

Sometimes tattoo feels that am attitude is expressed: we should consider ourselves lucky that we are even allowed to practice.  "Who needs tattoo and piercing." is the mesasage we get. Being tolerated means tattoo as folk cultural practice has not right to exist nor be practiced, that we exist by permission only which can be withdrawn.

Isolated Cases  are only isolated cases and are not considered evidence unless it can be demonstrated that contributing conditions are present and the same in every case.   No conclusion can be drawn to substantiate regulation based on isolated cases.  Improper scientific evaluation and thinking crops up in the most unusual places.

GOWNS are needed when soiling is anticipated and are not implicated as a source of cross-contamination.

MASKS and eyewear are used when splashing of blood or body fluid is expected and are not for protection from breathing airborn microorganisms.  Certainly not expected in tattoo.

Filters, and masks, astonishingly, are given a rating at half-clogged capacity.  Which means that if you cleaned your air conditioner filter every day you would have no filtration, or if you changed your auto air filter every month you would ruin your engine.

LAUNDRY should be detergent washed in hot water (70ºC, 160ºF) for 25 minutes

EMPLOYERS should assure workers receive training and education on the prevention of transmission of pathogens and monitor for compliance.

IMMUNIZATION: In addition to standard immunizations all workers who who are occupationally exposed to blood or OPIM should be protected against Hepatitis.

Latex Allergies.  Hands should not be moisturized before donning gloves.  Gloves should not be "snapped" off.   Powder-free gloves may offer some relief.  Employers are required to provide adequate protection to workers.  There is a new sealant for hands that may decrease
latex allergy reactions.

Unimax System for handling used needles and tubes.