There is a growing passion in young people, for some indulgence in body modifications like piercing or tattooing. At least 100000 acts of piercing are carried out each year in France (sources: National plan viral hepatitis B and C 2002-2005).

The number of professionals is estimated to be over 6000 in Western Europe. According to Assistance Public (Hospitals of Paris) between 20 and 30 % of the piercings become locally infected. The users are often not suitably informed about the medical risks of body piercing and the general complications that may result.

A study on Body Piercing has showed that body modifications, carried out in the absence of medical precautions, can cause viral infections such as hepatitis, HIV, skin infections, malignant lesions.

Since the end of 2002, two cases of deaths attributable to body piercing were reported in Europe. The European Commission invite the Member States to intensify their efforts in this field and to take necessary steps, while existing national regulations are restricted for the majority, to adopt hygienic standards like the use of gloves and sterilized needles.

Any responsible State should impose on Body piercing personnel adequate training and passing written and practical examinations on sanitation, sterilization, cutaneous anatomy, common infections, waste disposal and wound care.