In an unexpected twist, researchers have uncovered a thriving global market online for preserved human remains, highlighting potential health risks associated with this unusual trade. Lead author Kirsty Squires and her team delved into 128 web posts spanning from 2015 to 2025 showcasing human and animal remains for sale, with mummified heads, hands, and feet being common offerings.
The study, published in the International Journal of Cultural Property, sheds light on the health hazards posed by improperly handled mummified body parts. These remains can harbor dormant microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and yeast, which may trigger health issues if not managed correctly. However, some experts suggest that knowledgeable collectors may not face significant risks.
Squires emphasized the importance of proper storage conditions to prevent deterioration of remains, as seen in online images showing signs of decay due to inadequate storage. Unlike museums, where mummies are carefully preserved in controlled environments, individuals holding such remains in homes or garages may inadvertently release harmful fungal spores and bacteria into the air when handling them.
Concerns extend beyond microorganisms, with some mummified body parts carrying traces of toxic chemicals like arsenic and mercury from embalming fluids used in past eras. While the study doesn’t detail specific cases of illness from handling online-sold remains, historical incidents such as the deaths of conservation scientists in 1973 due to inhaling Aspergillus spores highlight the potential dangers.
James Scott, a public health professor, questions the ethical implications of trading human remains rather than solely focusing on health risks. Despite the potential hazards, he believes that collectors who handle such items with care and store them appropriately may not face significant issues.
The study identifies Canada as a notable player in the online trade of human remains, with 11 identified posts originating from the country. Shawn Graham, a digital archaeology expert, notes the ease of finding dealers in Canada due to limited regulations on selling and buying human remains. While Canada Post prohibits the shipment of mummified human remains, sellers can circumvent restrictions by falsely labeling packages as archaeological samples.
Graham advocates for stricter laws to prohibit the online sale of human remains, emphasizing the commodification and appropriation of ancestral bodies from regions like Egypt and South America. He urges policymakers to follow the UK’s lead in considering legislation to ban the trade of human remains online to curb the unethical exploitation of human bodies for commercial gain.