Human mummies and their parts are being sold in online stores, social networks, and auction platforms. In some cases, they are delivered to buyers via regular mail. Experts warned that such trade may pose not only ethical and legal but also health risks.
Specialists from universities in the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Italy, and Australia in the fields of health care, biology, anatomy, and chemistry studied advertisements related to the trade of human and animal remains on the internet. The study analyzed 122 advertisements related to human remains and 6 related to animal remains posted between 2015 and 2025. This was reported by foreign mass media.
The researchers found that some mummies put up for sale had signs of fungal damage. At the same time, sellers did not warn buyers about potential biological hazards and safe handling rules.
According to experts, drying of the body during mummification does not mean that microorganisms completely disappear. Some microorganisms may survive for a long time. If the mummy is stored or transported under improper conditions, fungal spores may be released into the air. This can pose a danger to people working with the mummy, as well as to staff involved in its transportation.
Another problem was identified during the study. In 22 cases, people touched mummy remains without gloves and masks. However, protective equipment is necessary not only to protect against microorganisms but also against certain chemical substances used during mummification.
In various periods of history, toxic substances such as arsenic, mercury, and lead were used to preserve and mummify bodies. Bitumen, cedar oil, natron, and various plant resins were also used. Some of them can have negative effects on the skin and respiratory tract.
The experts stressed that these results cannot be fully applied to the global trade in human mummies. However, the study showed that if such trade on the internet remains uncontrolled, biological and chemical hazards may arise.
It is noted that the online trade in human remains has been becoming a particular problem in recent years. On some platforms, skulls, bones, limbs, and other human remains were found to be put up for sale.
Earlier, it was reported that traces of modern and ancient microorganisms were also found in the 5,300-year-old mummy known as "Ötzi," discovered in the Ötztal Alps in Austria in 1991.
