Buyer beware: Those mummified remains might carry toxic spores

Mummified human and animal remains have long been sought after by collectors, often involving dubious trade practices or even illegal activities due to their rarity. However, acquiring these items comes with more than just legal risks. A paper in the International Journal of Cultural Property warns that these remains may also be hazardous to health, thanks to the toxic substances used in their preservation and potential microbial growth from improper storage.

The mummification process historically involved various toxic materials, including heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead, necessitating careful handling to prevent adverse health effects. Professionals who work with such remains typically wear protective gear like masks, gloves, and lab coats.

Microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, can remain dormant in the tissues for centuries. When the remains are stored in suboptimal conditions, these micro-organisms can recolonize and multiply, potentially leading to respiratory inflammation, infection, fever, or other health issues. For instance, a 1962 case documented the presence of poisonous fungi spores in mummified remains, which could cause respiratory problems upon inhalation.

A 2013 study found that mummies on display at the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, are susceptible to microbial and fungal growth due to unstable environmental conditions. In 2012, scientists discovered three species of fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys) on human remains, coffins, walls, and in the air of crypts in the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Krakow, Poland.