h20cean Debate!

[Nicole]

"If you don't know about this blog that try to bash us, here it is. Please participate and go to www.myspace.com/h2ocean and reply in the comments."
H20cean



ATTN: Piercers and Piercees RE: H2Ocean Products


Dear APP (fellow piercer/piercing enthusiast),

The time and effort given to this letter is much appreciated. As members of the piercing community, it is in our best interest to preserve the integrity of our industry. This letter was written to express concerns that have intensified since the APP 2007 conference.

H2Ocean:

“The time and effort given to this letter is much appreciated.” It is nice to see that the writers are giving themselves “much appreciated” kudos for the effort in writing this letter as an opening statement. Ironically, H2Ocean accepts this invitation to assist in educating the piercing industry regarding aftercare – beginning with the writers of this poorly documented and inaccurate letter.


Recent ethical breeches on the part of H2Ocean are, in my opinion, pressing cause for consideration. Because H2Ocean is now an APP corporate member and uses the APP name to legitimize and market their product, it is hoped that you would share these concerns.

H2Ocean:

In “my” opinion, however, it is signed by three people at the bottom – and a fourth name (Seth Cameron) was added following this initial post. Is it a “my” concern or an “our” concern? According to this allegation, H2Ocean is using the “APP name to legitimize and market their product.” However, H2Ocean at no time has or will ever attempt to discredit another company in an unethical and inaccurate manor while listing their position as “Corporate Member of APP” at the conclusion. This could easily be questioned as an attempt to gain legitimacy as these writers have so done.
We’ve been attending the APP conference since 2002, and have always been supportive of the piercing industry. H2Ocean joining the APP Corporate membership two years ago was to give back to the industry, not as a promotional avenue. We continually support tattoo and piercing shows through sponsorships. In our hundreds of various advertisements, we do not include the “APP” logo for legitimization. How is that unethical?





While attending the APP 2007 conference, one of H2Ocean's agents attempted to promote his company's piercing spray aftercare. The agent grossly misrepresented the product (Piercing Aftercare Spray), saying that it was isotonic, pH balanced, and clinically tested.

H2Ocean:

“Grossly misrepresented”

H2Ocean is isotonic (Refer to specific gravity on the most recent MSDS Sheet which is posted our website www.h2ocean.com)

pH level is balanced and 6.81 (see pH on most recent, MSDS Sheet)

Clinical Testing is not required by the FDA for a cosmetic drug. We have thousands of case studies with documented testimonials to support our products effectiveness.


First, there is no mention of isotonicity on any of H2Ocean's products, or on their website. Independent experiments with salinity meters have indicated that the product is not isotonic, and is in fact very hypertonic. If their product(s) are in fact isotonic, they would logically be marketed as such – yet they are not.

H2Ocean:

Just because “isotonic” is not listed on the label or website does not change the fact that the H2Ocean Piercing Spray is an isotonic solution according to documented testing by our quality control through our manufacturer. We appreciate the author pointing out that we have not listed “isotonic” on our product label and website. We will adjust this in the immediate future. Sometimes a ‘call-in’ or a letter like this can help point out marketing tips to better promote our product.


Second, there is also no mention of pH balance on any of H2Ocean's products, or on their website. When H2Ocean's agent assured that their products were pH balanced, a potential customer referenced an MSDS sheet for the piercing spray which indicated that it was not in fact pH balanced. According to the MSDS sheet, the pH is over 7.8 (a pH level that would cause irreparable cell damage). In response to this, the agent said that the MSDS sheet was wrong, but that he didn't have an accurate one. After repeated requests for a correct sheet following APP, H2Ocean sent an MSDS for their piercing aftercare which was the same "wrong" sheet that was referenced before. H2Ocean's representative also wrote that while they had emailed this MSDS sheet, it was also wrong, and that their aftercare's pH was actually around 7.1-7.4 – although they didn't know for sure.

H2Ocean:

The pH scale ranges from 0 (the highest acidic) to 14 (the most alkaline). A solution with a pH of 7 is neutral. pH balanced only means that the pH of the compound is buffered to stay at about the same range as when purchased and that the pH is roughly 'neutral,’ which means between 6.0 and 8.0. This won’t harm skin and can be claimed to be 'balanced.’ The writers of this letter fail to provide their definition of pH balanced.

It is unclear what the author means by “wrong” referring to the MSDS sheet.

MSDS sheets are written according to testing – they are not “right” or “wrong.” Perhaps, the author means that the MSDS sheet was not the most recent; however, this is not stated. You will find examples of pH levels for ‘everyday’ used products below.


H2Ocean was asked if they knew that it would be a violation of OSHA for a piercing studio to possess products for which no valid MSDS sheet exists, as OSHA requires an accurate MSDS sheet for all of a shop's products. They chose not to respond to this question.

H2Ocean:

H2Ocean has always and will always provide MSDS sheets to shops/studios at their request. They are accurate and OSHA compliant. In this specific case, we gave the author an MSDS sheet while waiting for an updated MSDS sheet from our manufacturer. At that time, our manufacturer had just added a ‘state of the art’ water filtration system and filling machine which has validated them to become an FDA compliant medical manufacturing facility for our products.


After twice asking for the updated MSDS sheet, a sheet was emailed that indicated H2Ocean's piercing spray has a pH level of 6.8. Healthy human blood and thus extracellular fluid has a pH level that is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45; in fact, this pH is so tightly regulated that changes outside of this range will cause irreversible cell damage [26]. If the pH of human blood was to drop below 6.95, death and coma would result [27]. The same day that this MSDS confirming the unbalanced pH level was received, an email was received from the same H2Ocean agent by another email account – an email that continued to claim that H2Ocean's product was pH balanced. This is a blatant untruth.


H2Ocean:

This paragraph jumps between two completely different topics.

One dealing with Blood pH and one talking about an e-mail account.

The authors failed to point out that there is a huge difference between the “blood pH level” and the “fluid system ph level.” Also the fluid system in your body has different pH levels for example (stomach acid 1-3 pH, urine 6 pH, saliva 6.3-6.6 pH). They are misleading the reader to believe that topical solutions directly impact the blood’s pH level. Apparently, the uneducated claim of the author is that a topical solution (ex. H2Ocean Piercing Spray) has a direct impact on the pH level of the blood. They are suggesting that a topically applied product (due to it’s pH Level) has the ability to significantly alter the pH level of your blood and in turn potentially cause “death and coma.” If this had any validity what so ever, then the below referenced products could be fatal if topically applied.

pH Levels of Everyday Used Products: (Note – H2Ocean pH 6.81)

pH 2 Lemon Juice

pH 3 Grapefruit

pH 4 Tomato Juice

pH 5 Black Coffee

pH 6 Urine / Saliva

pH 7 Fresh Water / Milk

pH 8 Sea Water

pH 9 Baking Soda

pH 10 Milk of Magnesia

(www.janethull.com/askdrhull/article.php?id=095)

The pH of blood is slightly different from the "body's water" because these are two entirely different fluid systems. The blood is a very protected and "exceptional" body system. It must remain isolated from body wastes, toxic by-products, bacteria and microorganisms, manmade chemicals, processed fats and the like. The water in your cells will be slightly acidic because it keeps your cells hydrated but transports all wastes, including acids leaving the body.



Continuing to sell products for which no accurate MSDS exists is a serious problem for piercers, because they are ones who would be held accountable for this discrepancy. Unfortunately, because H2Ocean never voluntarily informed its customers of their change in formula, there would be no way for anyone to pull the product off of their shelves, or even ask for a new MSDS sheet. Continuing to market their products as pH balanced when they themselves do not know the pH is irresponsible. Continuing to tell customers that their products are pH balanced when they themselves know that they are not is intentional deceit for profit. As a result of these actions, H2Ocean is putting both the piercers who sell it, and their customers at risk.

H2Ocean:

H2Ocean’s formula has not changed, as the change of pH is due to an upgrade in our water filtration system that is now USP Grade reverse osmosis. There is no risk in using our products as falsely indicated above. We don’t see how upgrading our water purification would be “putting both the piercers who sell it, and their customers at risk.” Feel free to check our testimonials online at H2Ocean.com and ask studios who have used H2Ocean products for years.


Third, during the APP conference H2Ocean's agent also said that their product(s) had been clinically tested. When asked to see a copy of the journal article that would validate this research, the agent said that it hadn't yet been published. When asked which journal it would be published in, he said that he didn't know because the article hadn't been written yet, because the research was ongoing. The agent also said that these are double blind tests, which would mean that H2Ocean doesn't have any idea how their product is performing against the controls. This is another formidable concern because H2Ocean is telling prospective buyers that their products are clinically tested when they themselves don't know the results of these tests.

H2Ocean:

Clinical Testing is not required by the FDA for a cosmetic product. H2Ocean does, however, conduct ongoing laboratory testing on all of our products and ingredients within. H2Ocean has had ongoing case studies since its inception. We are not a medical drug or device (which may require clinical studies). H2Ocean is a private company giving you the highest quality product and customer service.


H2ocean has made claims in person that they don't make in print, and claims in print which are false. Inconsistencies surrounding H2Ocean's products and their marketing warrant further examination. It would appear as though H2Ocean is either ignorant about their product specifications and their implications, or they are being intentionally deceptive. Either way, it is the well-being of piercers and their clients that is being jeopardized. As a representative of responsible piercing and education, the APP has an opportunity and an obligation to address issues among its members for the betterment of the body piercing industry.

H2Ocean:

It is apparent that the concern for inconsistencies lies within this poorly researched, cited, and delivered paper regarding H2Ocean piercing spray. The APP has initially responded to this letter, and has posted it on their my space page.

“It is unfortunate that the writers have turned to the APP for resolution with their concerns regarding this product as the APP is not able, nor is it their role, to handle such complaints.”

APP Response

Please Note: Board Members of the APP that carry H2Ocean Product

President: Alicia Cardenas of Twisted Sol, Denver, CO
Secretary: Christina Shull of High Priestess Piercing, Eugene, OR


In addition to the above concerns with the presentation of the product, there are several issues with the product itself that need to be addressed.


TOXINS

"The Coral Reef Sea Salt contains over 82 essential trace elements and minerals used to help in healthy cell regeneration."
-H2Ocean.com

While H2Ocean refuses to reveal the exact content of its product, the chemical analysis of reef sea salt is largely consistent. At most, there are 84 elements present in any sea salt, including sodium and chloride [1]. This means that in unrefined sea salt, there are at most 82 "extra" elements (refined sea salts list their number of elements below 82). These 82 elements are the same from source to source, while the amounts of each of these 82 may change slightly depending on the location from which the salt is harvested.

The major component of sea salt is the negatively charged chloride ion. The other minor components include positively charged ions, like sodium, which balance out the chloride's negative charge. Some of the elements in sea salt are relatively benign, but some are not. While proponents of H2Ocean like to exploit the presence of elements like magnesium and calcium, they don't mention the presence of fluoride, aluminum, arsenic, mercury and lead [2]. While aluminum, arsenic, mercury and lead may be present in trace amounts (but are poisons nonetheless), fluoride is not. In sea salt, fluoride concentrations range from 1-1.3 parts per million [3].

The Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products lists fluoride as more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic [4]. Fluoride is capable of combining with aluminum to form

aluminum fluoride (AlF3) which has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, and also to become deposited in the kidneys. Interestingly enough, AlF3 is actually more toxic in smaller amounts such as 0.5 ppm than at higher concentrations such as 5 and 50 ppm [5].

Fluoride also damages enzymes which can result in a wide range of chronic diseases by disrupting the bonds which maintain the normal shape of proteins [4]. With distorted protein, the immune system may attack its own protein, and the body's own tissues. Fluoride has also been proven to inhibit the enzyme lysozyme [6], an ingredient found in products such as H2Ocean.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly for healing piercings, fluoride as low as 1 ppm causes breakdown of collagen, the most abundant of the body's protein[4]. It also leads to irregular formation of collagen which serves as a major structural component of skin, ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage, bones and teeth. Collagen formation is vital for any healing wound, and its disruption will delay healing times.

But, what about the essential elements, like magnesium and calcium? Cell membranes are semipermeable, which means that water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide can freely cross the membrane, but virtually everything else cannot [7]. Companies promoting unrefined sea salt products would like their customers to believe that all of their cells gobble up these vital nutrients and store them for a rainy days when they're needed, but this isn't true. The small intestine is the only organ with the necessary components to absorb and regulate minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which can be toxic at high levels [8]. These minerals are absorbed by the small intestine – not topically; as a result, these minerals are only of benefit if the salt is being taken orally.

H2Ocean:

Did the authors write this to show that Sea Salt is dangerous for people? Did the authors write this from the standpoint of a chemist or doctor? The “sane” members of the piercing industry and the FDA both know that sea salt is safe. It is used in our foods as a better alternative than sodium chloride (salt). People regularly swim in the ocean after cuts and the common cold as an ‘old remedy.’ People visit the Dead Sea where the salinity is much higher than the human body to benefit their skin. It has been used as a medicine before medicine was officially created. It’s the “First in First Aid.”

We do not feel the need to debate the authors argument that sea-salt is toxic.


SODIUM BENZOATE

"The ingredients of H2Ocean Spray are Purified Water, Sea Salt, Lysozyme and Sodium Benzoate which are found in the body's own metabolism".
–H2Ocean.com

Sea salt and sodium benzoate are not naturally found in the body's own metabolism – they would have to be consumed in food or drink to take place in our body's metabolism.

Sodium Benzoate is a food additive that is widely used as a

preservative for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Sodium benzoate is commonly found in products such as preserves, vinegar dressings, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices because it is only effective at pH levels below 3.6 [9]. At pH levels above 3.6 – including H2Ocean's pH of 6.8+ - sodium benzoate is completely useless against mold and bacteria. However, it may not be harmless when it comes to human cells. According to P. Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology at Sheffield University:

"[Sodium benzoates] have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria (an organelle inside the cell responsible for energy production and cellular respiration) to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether.

"The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it - as happens in a number if diseased states - then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. [10, parentheses mine]

Because so many preservatives have inherent health risks, especially as a result of repeated exposure, their use is often discouraged by doctors and dieticians. In the case of H2Ocean's sodium benzoate, it can do no good (because it is inactive at such a high pH), and may in fact do irreparable harm to cells.

Another question that one must ask is "why would a sterile product in a pressurized spray can need a preservative in the first place?"




H2Ocean:

Sodium Benzoate has uses other than that of a preservative. H2Ocean’s Piercing Spray remains sterile throughout its shelf life. The sterility of our product is not dependent upon Sodium Benzoate. Sodium Benzoate is an approved FDA ingredient.


LYSOZYME

"Bacteria against which Lysozyme Chloride (Lysozyme HCL) has shown effectiveness: Clostridia Butyricum, Clostridia Sporogenes, Clostridia Tyrobutyricum, Strep, E Coli, Staff, Gram+ and some Gram-, Listeria Monocytogenes Scott A etc."
-H2Ocean.com

Lysozyme is an enzyme with antibacterial properties that is present in human tears, mucus, saliva, and blood. One of the definitions of an enzyme is that it is not altered or depleted while undergoing a chemical reaction (such as the destruction of bacteria); as a result, it isn't possible to run out of lysozyme [11].

Lysozyme was discovered in 1921 by Alexander Flemming. He found its sources within the human body and investigated its antimicrobial action. Flemming was searching for a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, and found that while lysozyme killed harmless airborne bacteria, it was mostly useless against disease-causing bacteria [12]. Because lysozyme "proved to be ineffective against disease causing bacteria", lysozyme had no broad medical application; as a result, Flemming rejected it as a useful antibiotic and went on to discover penicillin in 1928 [13].

H2Ocean claims their product doesn't harm "good bacteria", but lysozyme is incapable of killing most harmful bacteria. What, then, does lysozyme kill? According to H2Ocean, their product is effective against "Clostridia Butyricum, Clostridia Sporogenes, Clostridia Tyrobutyricum, Strep, E Coli, Staff(sic), Gram+ and some Gram-,

Listeria Monocytogenes Scott A etc" and that "Test(sic) also show topically applied Lysozyme Chloride breaks down 650 different types of viruses, bacteria, and diseases" [14]. Let's look at these one by one:


1. Clostridia species.

First and foremost, H2Ocean names these bacteria incorrectly. When giving the proper name of a bacteria, one writes the genus and the species. Butyricum, Sporogenes, and Tyrobutyricum are the correct species names, but there is no genus "Clostridia". Clostridia is a "class" of bacteria, in the same way that mammals are a class of animal [15]. The correct genus for these bacteria is Clostridium – ie, Clostridium Butyricum, Clostridium Sporogenes, and Clostridium Tyrobutyricum. While the two terms, Clostridia and Clostridium, may seem very similar, they are very, very different from a doctor's point of view; consequently, the rest of this paper will refer to the Clostridium genus. Whether this mistake in H2Ocean's literature was made by intent or ignorance is unknown.

The Clostridium genus are Gram-positive bacteria that can, in fact, be killed by lysozyme; however, Clostridium is one of the few genera within the Firmicute family that is capable of producing endospores [16]. When certain bacteria are subject to environmental stress, they form endospores to ensure their survival. Spores contain the bacteria's DNA and remain dormant while the bacteria die, and then come out of their hibernation when conditions become favorable. Once active, endospores reactivate to become fully functional, dividing bacteria. Endospores are very hardy and hard to kill. Clostridia endospores are resistant to "ultraviolet and gamma radiation, desiccation, lysozyme, temperature, starvation, and chemical disinfectants" [17]. Because endospores can only be killed by prolonged exposure to high energy radiation or by autoclaving, lysozyme is insufficient protection against the bacteria of the Clostridia family.

2. Streptococcus

Lysozyme is effective against some species of Streptococcus. However, many strains are not pathogenic, and some – such as Streptococcus faecalis - are lysozyme-resistant [18]. It has also been found that "…lysozyme has little effect on bacteria (including Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus salivarius) indigeneous to the oral cavity of man" [18].


3. E. Coli

E. Coli is gram negative – See Below.

4. Staphylococcus

Staph (not Staff) is Gram-positive and cannot generally be killed by lysozyme. In fact, "Staphylococcus species belong to one of the few bacterial genera that are completely lysozyme resistant, which greatly contributes to their persistence and success in colonizing

the skin and mucosal areas of humans and animals" [19]. Few tests have indicated that lysozyme may be able to kill staph under very acidic conditions (pH 0-5), but not at neutral (pH 7) or basic (pH 7.1-14) conditions [20].

5. Gram-positive Bacteria

Gram-positive and negative bacteria are classified according to their cell walls, not their ability to spread disease. Gram-positive bacteria have thick cell walls and only one cell membrane [21]. Most of these bacteria are benign. While lysozyme may be affective against Gram-Positive bacteria such as some Strep species, it is largely ineffective against others such as Clostridium and Staph.

6. Gram-negative Bacteria

Gram-negative bacteria – in comparison with gram-positive bacteria - have a thin cell wall and two cell membranes. Many bacteria classified as gram-negative are pathogenic [22]. Alone, lysozyme is unable to kill Gram-negative bacteria. In order for lysozyme to be affective, it must act in conjunction with cofactors such as "lactoferrin, antibody-complement or hydrogen peroxide-ascorbic acid" [23]. These cofactors bind to the lysozyme enzyme and are a necessary component of its activity against these bacteria, without which lysozyme is useless. H2Ocean does not contain any of these cofactors, and thus it is ineffective against gram-negative bacteria.

7. Listeria Monocytogenes Scott A

Listeria Monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes the disease Listeriosis. Listeriosis is a rare disease that occurs primarily in immunocompromised individuals (70%), pregnant women (27%), infants and the elderly. In the USA there are approximately only 2500 cases per year, with at least 2425 of those occurring among the above demographics [24]. Not only is Listeriosis an exceedingly rare disease among healthy individuals, but the route of acquisition is through the ingestion of contaminated food, such as raw meats and unpasteurized dairy products. While lysozyme is in some cases effective against Listeria Monocytogenes, Listeriosis should not be of concern to a healthy piercing client because of its extreme rarity and because of its route of infection. Topical lysozyme cannot prevent or treat literiosis.

Contrary to H2Ocean's assertion that its products do not harm good bacteria, most of the bacteria affected by lysozyme are benign, and incapable of causing disease. Of the seven substances that H2Ocean claims lysozyme is effective against, it is only really effective against one. While Strep infections may be a genuine concern, supplemental lysozyme is of highly questionable value for a few reasons:

Because H2Ocean's lysozyme is present in conjunction with fluoride – a known enzyme denaturing agent – it is possible that it is ineffective.

Because lysozyme is present in the tears, saliva, blood, and urine,

and because it cannot be changed or depleted; therefore, it is impossible to "run out" of it.

Because lysozyme kills a very limited range of pathogenic bacteria within the body and an even more limited range outside of the body, leading some investigators to conclude that exogenous lysozyme (lysozyme originating outside of the body) would be of little benefit in controlling bacterial infection [25].

H2Ocean:

Lysozyme is more effective when it is in its own salt water environment. It is not found too much in blood because of it is a large molecular structure. It moves very slowly, but is very powerful. That’s why Alexander Fleming did not use Lysozyme as a drug, because he was looking to fight infection off in the entire body. We will attach some of our studies and tests to show Lysozyme effectiveness against specific bacteria strands. We also have ongoing studies with our products at the University of Florida, which will be published publicly upon the study’s completion.

COST

"$12.00 per bottle"
-H2Ocean.com

H2Ocean's Piercing Aftercare Spray retails for around $12.00 per bottle. This is for a product that is not pH balanced, that may not be isotonic (if they're willing to lie about the pH balance, what else might they lie about?), that contains trace amount of toxins, and that contains a preservative with documented health risks. It is produced by a company that is unregulated, and that uses deceit to market its products. For less than $3.00 (Equate, Bausch & Lomb, etc brand salines), one can buy a product that is isotonic, that is pH balanced, that contains no toxins or preservatives, that has been used in thousands if not millions of clinical trials, and that is FDA regulated (so one knows that these claims are true). These salines are made by companies that have been catering to the medical community for decades, and who regularly test their products to ensure their quality.

H2Ocean:

As previously stated, H2Ocean is pH balanced and isotonic. It was never listed on our web-site due to the fact that we did not know that it was such a concern until this letter.

There is not ONE product in the medical industry that has either “thousands if not millions” of clinical studies. FDA has the power to regulate all products on the market whether the company is listed with them or not. Again, our products are regularly tested in laboratories to ensure that they are safe, effective, and FDA compliant.


CONCLUSION

"This sea salt solution is the only aftercare product that is natural to your body…"
-H2Ocean.com

As this paper has argued, H2Ocean's Piercing Spray Aftercare is a far cry from natural:

H2Ocean:

The ingredients in H2Ocean are natural.


It has a pH that is not natural to the body – a pH level that will cause irreparable cell damage.

H2Ocean:

The authors are confused and are misleading the piercing industry about how the pH level of a topical product affects the body, blood, and cells. If this were true, then milk of magnesia with a pH of 10 will cause “irreparable cell damage” at the least. Or every mother and father should be extremely concerned if their child should spill apple juice 2.3-3.3 pH on their arm and immediately rush them to the Emergency Room for treatment to prevent “irreparable cell damage.”


It contains trace amount of toxins that are not natural to the body – that are in fact poisons.

H2Ocean:

Toxin traces can already be found in your body right now. If sea salt has toxins and poisons at such an unsafe level, then we should close down the beaches.

And note that the ocean has a much higher salinity level than our product.


It contains a preservative that is not natural to the body – a preservative known to cause irreparable cell damage.

H2Ocean:

Sodium Benzoate is an FDA approved ingredient which is derived from a natural element.


What's more, H2Ocean's primary sales point is lysozyme – an enzyme that people already have in most of their bodily fluids, an enzyme that they can't run out of, an enzyme that kills primarily benign bacteria, and an enzyme that cannot work against any pathogenic gram-negative bacteria without a cofactor – a cofactor which H2Ocean doesn't have.

H2Ocean:

H2Ocean’s primary selling point is that we have a patented product that promotes healing and controlling of harmful bacteria – Safely and Naturally.



Piercers have gone to great lengths to ensure that they are using the best of technologies and protocols that have been tested and approved by the medical community. They insist on state-of-the art sterilization and cross-contamination prevention. They demand implant-grade metals with mill certificates and independent metalurgical(metallurgical) testing. They utilize surgical (iodine) and beyond-surgical (techincare) skin prep. Why, then, would they settle for sub-par aftercare products? What do hundreds of thousands of nurses, doctors and surgeons use worldwide to irrigate healing wounds? They use saline, because they understand the importance of tonicity, pH balance, sterility, and simplicity.

H2Ocean:

We agree that most of the piercing industry has strived to use the highest quality products and methods. We are not a “sub-par aftercare product.” You may wish to give that title to other aftercare products… but, not H2OCEAN. Our products are being used in the medical field by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals for successful wound care. We have entered into the medical market with our products this past year, and have had nothing but positive feedback.



It is this author's opinion that H2Ocean is making a mockery out of the piercing industry. They sell a product based on claims which they know to be untrue, because they don't think anyone will notice. They aggressively market their product based on the assumption that most body piercers don't know enough basic biochemistry to be able to properly evaluate their product for what it really is.

H2Ocean:

The authors have failed to provide the piercing community with accurate information regarding the H2Ocean Piercing Spray Product. The authors of this paper (Members of Fakir Intensives and Imperial Body Art) have made a “mockery” out of the piercing industry by posting such a defamatory and deceptive letter to their peers in a poor attempt to persuade them to believe something other than the truth. What does this say about this school? You don’t have to know “basic biochemistry” to see that the authors are ludicrous in making a plethora of inaccurate claims within this paper.


Their success is based on the fact that clients blindly trust their piercers, and don't think they need to question the aftercare that they are given. This is key. Clients put piercers in a position of trust. They don't ask necessary questions because they think that the questions have already been asked for them. As piercers, it is our job to thoroughly question any product that is pushed on our industry, and support it based on its merits – not based on a pushy sales pitch and the promise another few dollars in the pocket.


H2Ocean:

If anything, this paper has provided a substantial reason for the Piercing Industry to continue to use and trust in H2Ocean, and be weary of people and piercing schools out there making false claims regarding aftercare.


Can one see the damage that H2Ocean can cause? Of course not – it takes place at the cellular level. Will piercings still heal with H2Ocean? Probably – just like they did with dirt, ash, bactine, betadine, BZK, and antibacterial soap. The bottom line is that even if piercings are still healing, H2Ocean – like all of the other rejected aftercare products – is in all likelihood hindering this healing process, not helping it. In effect, clients are paying for an overpriced product that is virtually guaranteeing a slower healing time. This product aids only the person who sells and profits from it – not the person who uses it. A time will come in the not-too-distant future when the distribution of H2Ocean (like the bactine, betadine, BZK, and antibacterial soap that came before it) will be used to separate the piercers who understand the dynamics of healing process and who hold the interests of their clients above their own from those who do not.

H2Ocean:

Studies have shown that H2Ocean Piercing Spray is effective in accelerating the healing process. This is evident with the naked eye. Piercers who wish to truly provide their customers with the safest and most effective aftercare on the market will continue to use H2Ocean. We will provide you with samples and all pertinent information necessary to educate you about our products.

Call us for information – H2OCEAN 866-420-2326



Ken Coyote
Associate Director
Fakir Intensives
Corporate APP Member

Natalie Lowry
Administrator
Fakir Intensives
Corporate APP Member

Paul Birnbaum
Imperial Body Art
Business APP Member

Seth Cameron
Instructor
Fakir Intensives
Corporate APP Member



WORKS CITED

[1] http://www.gomanzanillo.com/features/salt/index.htm

[2] http://www.natureschoiceonline.com/salt.htm

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoride

[4] http://www.wholywater.com/fluoride.html

[5] http://www.fluoride-journal.com/98-31-2/31289-90.htm

[6] jdr.iadrjournals.org/cgi/reprint/52/4/647.pdf

[7] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semipermeable_membrane

[8] http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks...hys/digestion/

smallgut/absorb_minerals.html

[9] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_benzoate

[10] http://www.jcrows.com/benzoate052707.html

[11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzyme

[12] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysozyme

[13] http://www.bmrb.wisc.edu/featuredSys/Lysozyme/ lysozyme1.html

[14] http://www.h2ocean.com/faqs/lysozyme.html

[15] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridia

[16] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium

[17] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endospore

[18] jdr.iadrjournals.org/cgi/reprint/50/6/1688.pdf

[19] http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/lin....04446.x/full/

[20] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi? cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7073428&dopt=Abst ract


[21] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gram-positive

[22] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gram-negative

[23] www.hbt.nl/upload/prdAttachment/HP9035-1003.pdf

[24] http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1312.htm

[25] http://www.jimmunol.org/cgi/content/full/165/10/5760

[26] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acidosis

[27] http://www.colonaerobics.com/ph_balance.htm

--------------------
Paul Birnbaum
Imperial Body Art
610 N. Orchard St.
Boise, Idaho 83706
208.344.TATS
www.imperialbodyart.com

[BRANDON BOND]

its not a debate, its a response. we are not involved in any way either - were just spreading the letter for them as per thier request.

[BRANDON BOND]

is that a bunch of myspace codes imbedded in the letter???? wtf?

[Nicole]

i dont know why that came up that way... but its fixed.

[BRANDON BOND]

i love you and your man.

[Nicole]

And we love you and AON tooo!!!!!

[parabellum]

Wow...I didn't understand a lot of what was in that letter.

But I do know that since I have been using H2Ocean, my healing has been faster and cleaner than ever before.

Its good stuff...that is all I know. :-)

[terryhaddon]

if i ever read something that long and Harry Potter does not die at the end you will all need H2Ocean to heal the wounds i will put on your shins with several of my crushin head butts.

Representing the REESE CUP NATION!!!!

[BRANDON BOND]

hahahahaaaaa awesome shin kicks suck

[BRANDON BOND]

h20cean rules!