Online mummy trade poses hidden health risks, study finds

Mummified human and animal remains sold online may carry significant health hazards that are often overlooked by collectors and sellers alike. A paper published in the International Journal of Cultural Property finds that these items frequently exhibit signs of biodeterioration, including fungal growth, despite a lack of safety guidance from those selling them. The research highlights a growing gap between the demand for unique cultural heritage and the biosecurity risks associated with ancient preservation methods.

The study, led by Kirsty Squires of the University of Staffordshire, analysed 128 internet posts related to the sale or collection of mummified remains. The researchers identified toxic substances such as arsenic, mercury, and lead, which have historically been used in mummification processes. These heavy metals, combined with dormant micro-organisms that can recolonise tissues, pose risks of respiratory issues and infection if inhaled or handled without proper protection.

Squires noted that the rise of the internet, particularly social media, has amplified international trafficking and driven demand for these items. While many sellers are aware of legal restrictions on the transfer of human remains, they often lack provenance documentation or health warnings. The authors observed that sellers frequently specify geographical locations where laws forbid such transfers and may avoid openly declaring shipment contents to prevent seizure by authorities.

The analysis revealed that most items for sale were mummified human remains, typically body parts such as hands, feet, or heads. Only six posts offered animal remains, including a cat, a falcon, an ibis, a perch, and a primate skull. Just one seller was offering a complete mummified body, a rarity given the high cost and the likelihood that such transactions would not be handled via public social media posts.

Of particular concern to the authors were 13 Facebook posts that displayed visible fungal colonisation in the photographs. These signs of improper storage included yellow and white spots, as well as black and pink patinas. Because microbial growth is not always immediately visible to the naked eye, the study suggests the problem may be more widespread than the visible cases indicate.

Squires stated that mummified remains are being mailed to buyers nationally and internationally with little consideration of the health and safety implications. She called for clearer and more prominent guidelines to ensure that buyers and sellers do not misinterpret or find loopholes in shipping policies. The findings suggest that the legendary "mummy's curse" may have a scientific basis in modern trade, driven by toxic embalming methods and suboptimal storage conditions.