The Nova Scotia government is looking at whether tattoo parlours and piercing studios need to be regulated, while Newfoundland and Labrador reviews its own rules in the aftermath of a teen's death.

Currently in Nova Scotia tattoo artists and body piercers are not licensed, nor are their workplaces routinely inspected.

"It's a buyer beware system. There is no process for either self-regulation and licensing or government inspection," said Dr. Robert Strang, the provincial medical officer of health.

A government committee is looking at whether that needs to be changed in light of the risks.

"If proper infection control precautions aren't followed, you can transmit a blood-borne disease, HIV, hepatitis C or hepatitis B from one person to another," Strang said.

People have to be on the lookout for signs of infection weeks after getting a tattoo or piercing, he added.

A 17-year-old girl in Newfoundland died March 9, one week after getting a breast piercing. A coroner confirmed the teen died of toxic shock syndrome as a result of the piercing.

The coroner also said the "private setting" that performed the piercing had conformed to industry standards.

Strang said although that kind of infection is rare, it does happen.

"There are substantial risks there and the case in Newfoundland is not isolated. There have been other cases as well. While they're rare, they're fairly tragic," he said.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Minister Tom Osborne is considering regulating the piercing industry in his province, but he says that won't stop people from going to someone's home to get it done.

Strang said people are much too casual about getting a tattoo or piercing.

"From my personal perspective, I don't want to take those kinds of risks."