An unusual but growing trend in online markets involves the sale of preserved human remains, posing potential health risks, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Cultural Property. Lead author Kirsty Squires and her team examined 128 online posts from 2015 to 2025 showcasing human and animal remains for sale, with mummified heads, hands, and feet being commonly advertised items.
These preserved body parts can harbor dormant microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, potentially causing health issues if not handled properly. Improper storage conditions can lead to visible deterioration of remains, releasing hidden fungal spores or bacteria into the air when handled. Some mummified parts may also contain toxic chemicals like arsenic and mercury from historical embalming fluids.
While the study did not report any specific cases of illness from handling online-sold human remains, historical incidents like the deaths of conservation scientists in Poland in 1973 and Lord Carnarvon in 1923 have raised concerns about potential health hazards. However, some experts, including James Scott from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Toronto, emphasize the ethical implications of trading in human remains over health risks.
In Canada, a significant number of online posts selling human remains were identified, reflecting a relatively unregulated trade environment. While some shipping regulations exist, sellers can easily circumvent restrictions by mislabeling packages. The ease of access to these items through social media platforms has fueled the trade, prompting calls for stricter regulations and even a potential ban on the online sale of human remains in countries like the U.K.
The trade in mummified human remains has sparked ethical debates and concerns about commodifying ancestral bodies. Calls for legislative action to prohibit such practices are gaining traction, with suggestions for stricter regulations to address the cultural and moral implications of buying and selling human remains.
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