[Semi-permanent make up and tattooing equipment: safety and health issues].

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), at Machinery Directive Administrative Cooperation meeting, brought a problem to the attention of semi-permanent make up equipment sold in the European market, that may pose a health risk due to microbiological contamination. Considering that body adornment techniques are becoming increasingly popular, a study was carried out to evaluate the technical characteristics of such equipment and to collect information on the National and European regulatory situation. In most member states of the European Community, tattooing and semi-permanent make up activities are not regulated by specific laws.