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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has weighed in on the subject of tattoos and body piercings. They're misunderstood, NIOSH says:

For people who do not know much about the body art industry, tattoos and body piercings appear as permanent markings and decorative metal. But this industry is actually a unique form of art. Tattoo artists can honor people or memories that were an important part of a person's life. Body piercers intricately place each piercing to express a person's individuality or culture.

But, NIOSH warns, "body artists may be exposed to a bloodborne pathogen by getting stuck with a used needle or if blood splashes into their eyes, nose, or mouth." Ick.

So NIOSH officials met with a bunch of tattoo and body-piercing organizations and came up with a list of things that can be done to reduce the risk of spreading diseases. The list includes vaccinating and educating, preventing needlestick injuries and reducing cross-contamination.