For the first time since the late 1990s, the state of Ohio has inked new rules governing the way tattoo artists and piercers operate.

It's been 16 years since Ohio put forth guidelines for tattoo artists and piercers. They've since drawn up new regulations that will change the way tattoo and piercing parlors do business beginning September 1st.

At Lenz's Artistic Dermagraphics in Boardman the new regulations are no surprise because the employees say the sanitation precautions and other regulations are something they've been doing all along for the safety of their customers and employees.

Lisa Rouse, a professional body pierce at Artistic Dermagraphics, said, "We've kept up with the times as far as that goes. So everything they've change we currently do. Which I think is great."

The Ohio Department of Health says there are two reasons for redrawing the rules for tattoo parlors, including requiring them all to have an infection and disease control plan.

Leeann Wilson, a program specialist with the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus, said, "The rules were first created in 1998 and there haven't been any changes to those rules since that point, and so because of the requirement we went into the rules and looked into the rules this year."

The popularity of tattoos and piercings could be another reason that safety for the industry is so critical. It's estimated that one in five Americans is sporting ink in some form. An increase of 14% in 2003.

"I have art all over my walls, art at home in my work area, and I like to walk around with my art. I like to look down and see it, it makes me happy," Rouse said.

Thirty-eight percent of Americans 30-39 years of age have at least one tattoo according to a survey.

Regulations for piercings include restricting minors from getting nipples or genitals pierced even if a parent gives consent.