--- title: "Online Trade of Mummified Remains Linked to Fungal Growth Risks" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/online-mummy-trade-fungal-risks-2twjf publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Science & Technology published: 2026-08-17T18:03:24.784Z modified: 2026-08-17T20:30:09.608Z language: en-IN --- # Online Trade of Mummified Remains Linked to Fungal Growth Risks Researchers analysed 128 posts from 2015–2025 across e-commerce, auctions and social platforms, finding signs of fungal growth on some mummified remains and limited safety guidance in listings. The work highlights health and biosecurity risks for buyers, sellers and postal workers in a growing onlin ## Key takeaways - A study examined 128 posts about mummified remains across e-commerce, auctions and social platforms from 2015 to 2025. - 13 Facebook posts showed visible signs of fungal colonization, indicating storage or handling issues. - Nearly half of items were described as from Egypt; about one-fifth from South America. - Researchers note potential toxic chemicals in embalmed remains and gaps in safety information in listings. - Clearer guidelines and stronger oversight of online sales and shipping are urged to mitigate health risks. ## What Happened Researchers examined 128 online posts featuring mummified remains across various platforms, posted between 2015 and 2025. They found that nearly half of the items were described as originating from Egypt and about one-fifth from South America. In 13 posts, all collected from Facebook, there were visible signs of fungal colonization on the remains, indicating storage or handling issues. The study notes that the exact microbial agents were not identified, but visible evidence included black spots and biofilms. It also notes that some listings did not emphasize safe handling, and that remains can contain chemicals used in embalming such as arsenic, mercury and lead. Some images showed individuals handling the remains without gloves. Researchers call for clearer guidelines and stronger oversight of online sales and shipping to address health and safety implications. They also point out that remains have been mailed nationally and internationally with little consideration of health risks. The debate around potential links between mummies and disease, such as historical speculation about fungal spores, is mentioned as context but not established as a direct cause of death. Quote paraphrased from the lead author Kirsty Squires about the need for clearer guidance. ## Why It Matters The study underscores a biosecurity concern tied to the online trade of culturally valuable remains. Visible signs of microbial growth suggest suboptimal storage, which could enable fungus and other hazards to spread via postal handling. The combination of potentially toxic embalming chemicals and poor handling highlights risks for buyers, sellers and postal workers, and suggests that existing shipping policies may not adequately curb illicit exchange of such artifacts. Researchers advocate for stronger, clearer guidelines to prevent misinterpretation of policies and reduce health risks associated with these items. ## Background The discourse around mummy-related myths, such as the so-called mummy’s curse, is contrasted with the tangible health considerations of handling preserved remains. The study situates online trading within a broader rise in digital platforms facilitating international trafficking of cultural heritage, emphasizing that mummies and other preserved remains can pose health hazards if stored, handled, or shipped improperly. Although the historical reference to King Tutankhamun’s tomb is cited, the article notes the curse is fictional while stressing real biosecurity risks linked to the trade. ## Key Facts - 128 online posts about mummified remains were analyzed, dating from 2015 to 2025. - Approximately 43.1% of items were described as originating from Egypt. - About 20.6% of items were described as originating from South America. - 13 posts, all sourced from Facebook, showed signs of fungal colonization on the remains. - Researchers could not identify the specific bacteria, fungi, or yeast responsible for microbial growth. - Visible indicators of microbial growth included black spots and biofilms; the true extent may be higher if growth is not visible. - Embalming chemicals such as arsenic, mercury and lead may be present in remains, raising toxicity concerns. - Some listings depicted handlers touching remains without gloves, suggesting gaps in safe-handling information. - The researchers call for clearer, more prominent guidelines and stronger oversight of online sales and shipping. ## What Happens Next The study advises clearer guidelines for buyers and sellers and stronger oversight of online marketplaces and shipping policies to mitigate health and safety risks associated with mummified remains. It also highlights a need for more information on safe handling and storage practices to reduce the potential for microbial growth during transit and display. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/online-mummy-trade-fungal-risks-2twjf Reported from: Multiple Sources