An increase in “high-risk” body-modification procedures has prompted the Ottawa Board of Health to ask for more money to step up inspections.

“Some of the procedures are becoming more invasive over time, such as branding, tongue splitting, implants and subcutaneous piercings,” Coun. Diane Holmes, the board’s chairwoman, said yesterday.

“It’s essential that the implements be sterile and the area be clean, and we have not been able to send sufficient numbers of inspectors out.”

Dr. Vera Etches, associate medical officer of health, said HIV and hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through body modification.

Although there are no known cases in Ottawa of HIV or hepatitis being contracted from tattooing or body modification, there have been reports of fungal or skin infections, she said.

Part of the problem, she added, is that tattoo parlours aren’t licensed and practitioners do not need to meet an education requirement. To that end, the board has been trying to teach the establishments safe procedures.