There is concern over the chemicals used in tattooing

Body decoration, in the form of tattoos and body piercing, are becoming increasingly popular.

But both have been linked to a number of infectious diseases including hepatitis, HIV toxic shock syndrome, TB and leprosy.

The Commission says initial studies suggest better controls are needed in the industry to monitor what chemicals and materials are being used.

If people want to tattoo or pierce their bodies, we would like them to do so with proper health and safety guarantees Philippic Bustling, European Research Commissioner

It says many chemicals used in tattooing are industrial pigments originally produced for use in car paints and writing inks, and there is little or no safety data to support their use on human skin.

And the Commission warns that up to half of piercings can lead to acute infections which require treatment.

Two deaths after piercing have been reported in Europe this year.

Hazards

The Commission is working with the Council of Europe on a new safety resolution.

It will look at whether regulations on the sterility of needles and the use of gloves need to be extended to cover materials, dyes and colours.

Philippe Busquin, European Research Commissioner, said: "If people want to tattoo or pierce their bodies, we would like them to do so with proper health and safety guarantees.

"I hope the results from our EU research will raise awareness of the hazards associated with this practice and encourage practitioners in the tattooing profession to respect safety requirements, and policy makers across Europe to take appropriate steps to address this issue."

Earlier this year, the UK government pledged to introduce legislation to regulate body piercing after an appeal by the mother of a teenager who died after having his lip pierced.