‘Real mummy’s curse’: health warning over growing trade in mummified human remains
A growing global trade in mummified human remains poses serious health risks to enthusiasts and postal workers due to dormant microorganisms and toxic materials used in preservation. The trade, often conducted illicitly through social media and e-commerce platforms, exposes handlers to various risks, including inhalation of aspergillus spores. Researchers warn that the lack of safety guidance and proper handling procedures exacerbates these risks, putting not only buyers but also postal workers and customs officials in danger.
- ▪The trade in mummified human remains is often conducted illicitly through social media, e-commerce platforms, and auction houses.
- ▪Mummified remains can harbor dormant microorganisms, including aspergillus spores, which can become airborne and pose health risks when disturbed.
- ▪The use of toxic materials such as arsenic, mercury, and lead in mummification practices also poses health risks to handlers.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Science |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/11/mummified-human-remains-trade-health-warning-curse |
| Publication time | Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:25:07 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-08-11T13:45:43.143Z |
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A Chinchorro mummy at a museum in Chile. Photograph: EPAView image in fullscreenA Chinchorro mummy at a museum in Chile. Photograph: EPAScience‘Real mummy’s curse’: health warning over growing trade in mummified human remainsAcademic paper says often illicit trade exposes enthusiasts – and postal workers handling items – to serious risksDaniel Boffey Chief reporterTue 11 Aug 2026 09.25 EDTLast modified on Tue 11 Aug 2026 09.26 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA growing global trade in mummified human remains has been described by academics as “a real mummy’s curse” that poses a serious health risk to its enthusiasts and the postal services they use.Research into the secretive buying and selling of centuries-old human body parts including hands, feet and heads found alarming risks from…
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