A recent study sheds light on the global online market for preserved human remains, a niche interest that poses potential health risks, according to researchers. Lead author Kirsty Squires and her team examined 128 web posts showcasing or selling mummified remains from humans and animals between 2015 and 2025.
Squires, a bioarchaeology professor in England, highlighted the prevalence of mummified heads, hands, and feet in these online listings. The researchers cautioned that these preserved body parts may contain dormant microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which could lead to health complications if mishandled.
Improper storage conditions were found to contribute to the deterioration of these remains, as observed in the study. Unlike in museums where mummies are carefully preserved in controlled environments, individuals keeping such remains in homes or garages risk exposure to harmful microorganisms when handling them.
The study emphasized the importance of wearing protective gear when dealing with mummified remains to prevent potential health hazards. Some of the preserved body parts may also carry toxic substances like arsenic and mercury from past embalming practices.
While the paper did not report any specific cases of illness from handling these remains, historical incidents involving exposure to airborne fungal spores from mummies have led to fatalities in the past. Ethical concerns surrounding the trade of human remains were raised by experts, questioning the regulation and risks associated with this market.
In Canada, researchers identified 11 online posts related to human remains, reflecting the presence of dealers in the country. The lack of stringent regulations in this trade has prompted calls for stricter laws to prohibit the online sale of human remains, a move already proposed in the U.K.
With the ease of access to online platforms and social media, the trading of mummified remains has become more widespread. Concerns about the commodification of human bodies and the ethical implications of such transactions have sparked discussions about the need for tighter restrictions in the trade of human remains.