Are Tattoo's Dangerous?

I am thinking about getting a tattoo (well two - one on each arm) of the South African (my mother's heritage) and Polish (my father's heritage) coat of arms, bordered with a red and white outline (symbolizing my birth country - Austria) topped off with a very small, tied in maple leaf (for Canada - where I live). Besides HIV and other viruses contracted through dirty needles, as well as allergic reactions, what are the health/side affects of getting a tattoo. I realize it is permanent, I just dont want to develop skin cancer or any other horrible condition do to it. I look forward to your responses.

P.S. What do you guys think of my idea for the tattoo?

The biggest risk is bloodborne pathogens contracted through cross-contamination, which you are obviously already aware of. As far as I know there is no correlation between an increased risk of skin cancer and tattoos. Considering how many grizzled old sailors have gotten tattoos over the years I think if there were a connection we'd have heard about it by now.

As long as you go to a shop that is clean and run well you shouldn't have to worry. Don't be afraid to stop into a few shops and ask them about their sterilization procedures. They should tell you about their autoclave, about the gloves they wear, about how they wrap their armrests in clingfilm, sterilize their work surfaces, etc. etc. etc.

The biggest thing to consider that is in your control is infection after the fact. Don't touch your healing tattoo with dirty hands or let other people touch it. Follow your artist's aftercare instructions to the letter.

Good luck! I think your idea sounds lovely.

It can be dangerous if you don't go to a professional to get it done. But by going to a professional who uses an autoclave or uses new needles every time, you can almost eliminate the risk of infection. HIV, Hepatitis C are only worries if you go to someone who doesn't follow tattoo laws.

It could still get infected if you don't take care of your tattoo while it's healing.

the only thing I can say is go to a real salon and have it done by a professional. You are educated about the risks and if precautions are taken they are minimal.
As for other concerns (ie cancer) I'm going on tattoo #6 and to my knowledge I'm cancer free. I've actually never heard of anyone who gets cancer because of a tattoo. Although the area of skin with the tattoo is more sensitive to the sun.

Don't worry about it. Go to a reputable tattoo parlor. Do some research on the tattoo artist. Have a consultation with the tattoo artist and see if you like his surroundings. You will be fine! Just don't go to some junkie sitting on the street corner with is tattoo gun to get your ink! The most dangerous side effect of your tattoo will probably be if some dude who hates Polish South Africans beats your azz cuz they see your tattoo... and I have a feeling that isn't going to happen. Good luck.

They can only be dangerous if you get it done by the wrong person (ie. some guy in his kitchen..). Otherwise, they'll hurt when getting applied to your body but they are not dangerous. It's more dangerous running in parts of your backyard.

Not dangererous but a pain in the azz to remove. Why would you want your coat of arms on your arms? it sounds like a really bizaare idea

It can be I was reading in a mag and it said that this lady almost got her feet chopped off becuse the tattoo got infected

Yes, they are dangerous. You can get a blood infection, or even HIV. There is no reason for a tattoo.