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Ars Technica·

😱Mummified Remains in Demand on Dark Web

Why you shouldn't buy that mummy online

TL;DR

The black market for mummified human and animal remains is booming, but these items pose significant health risks due to toxic preservation materials and microbial growth. Sellers often ignore safety guidelines.

Mummified human and animal remains are increasingly sought after by collectors on the dark web, despite posing serious health hazards. These relics contain toxic substances like arsenic and mercury used in their preservation, along with dormant micro-organisms that can cause severe respiratory issues upon exposure. A 1962 case highlighted poisonous fungi spores causing inflammation and infection when inhaled from mummified remains. In a study of the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, hundreds of mummies showed signs of microbial growth due to unstable environmental conditions over decades. The rise of online platforms has amplified this illegal trade, with sellers often ignoring safety guidelines and legal issues.

Mummified Remains in Demand on Dark Web — Ars Technica

Key Points

1

24 out of 128 posts on Meta platforms offered mummified human parts for sale in 2026.

2

A 1973 incident saw 10 scientists killed by Aspergillus flavus spores after opening a Royal tomb in Poland.

3

Capuchin Catacombs study found hundreds of mummies prone to microbial growth due to unstable conditions.

4

Three species of fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys) identified on human remains in Krakow crypts in 2013.

5

Online sellers often provide no safety guidance for handling toxic mummified remains.

Why It Matters

If you're considering buying a mummified relic online, think again. These items come with significant health risks due to toxic preservation materials and microbial growth. A study found that hundreds of mummies in the Capuchin Catacombs are prone to fungal growth after years of unstable conditions, highlighting the dangers involved.

mummified remainshealth hazardsdark webillegal trade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're considering buying a mummified relic online, think again. These items come with significant health risks due to toxic preservation materials and microbial growth. A study found that hundreds of mummies in the Capuchin Catacombs are prone to fungal growth after years of unstable conditions, highlighting the dangers involved.

What happened?

The black market for mummified human and animal remains is booming, but these items pose significant health risks due to toxic preservation materials and microbial growth. Sellers often ignore safety guidelines.

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