India, Aug. 14 -- Karnataka is seeking tighter controls on tattooing, with the health department asking the Centre to establish nationwide rules governing tattoo inks, studio hygiene and tattooing procedures after its own review raised concerns about chemicals, metals and infections, officials said on Thursday.

The state has formed a committee to examine the health risks and is preparing guidelines that could regulate tattoo studios and the materials they use. Officials said Karnataka is also considering legislation, noting that there is currently no specific law in the country dealing with tattooing and the health risks linked to tattoo inks. K Srinivas, commissioner of the food safety and drug administration department under the Karnat...