Scientists have identified a thriving online market for preserved human remains, a niche hobby that could pose health risks, according to a recent study. Lead researcher Kirsty Squires and her team analyzed 128 web posts from 2015 to 2025 showcasing human and animal remains for sale. Mummified heads, hands, and feet were commonly featured in these posts.
The study warns that mummified body parts may contain dormant microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which could lead to health issues if mishandled. Proper storage conditions are crucial to prevent deterioration of remains, as seen in some online images. Unlike in museums where mummies are stored in controlled environments, individuals keeping such remains at home may not maintain ideal conditions, potentially releasing harmful fungal spores or bacteria into the air.
Experts emphasize the importance of safely handling mummified remains, especially due to the presence of toxic chemicals like arsenic and mercury used in embalming fluids. While the study does not report any cases of illness from handling online-sold human remains, historical incidents, such as the deaths of conservation scientists in 1973, highlight the potential dangers of exposure to airborne spores.
Despite concerns raised by the study, some experts, like Professor James Scott, prioritize ethical considerations over health risks associated with handling mummified remains. In Canada, where 11 individuals were identified as sellers in the study, regulations on selling and buying human remains are lacking. While shipping cremated human remains is permitted, carriers like Canada Post, Purolator, and UPS explicitly prohibit the transportation of mummified human remains.
The study underscores the ease with which sellers can circumvent regulations by mislabeling packages as archaeological samples. This loophole poses a risk to postal workers and others handling damaged packages. The online trade in human remains, primarily sourced from regions like Egypt and South America, has prompted calls for stricter laws to ban such transactions in countries like the UK and Canada.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the potential health hazards and ethical concerns surrounding the online trade of human remains, advocating for stricter regulations to prevent the commodification of ancestral bodies.
