Health Risks Associated with Mummified Remains Highlighted in New Study

Mummified human and animal remains are sought after by collectors, leading to potential unregulated trade practices. A study published in the International Journal of Cultural Property outlines health risks associated with these remains, including exposure to toxic substances used in preservation and microbial growth from improper storage. Toxic spores and fungi are linked to the so-called 'mummy's curse' associated with the excavation of King Tutankhamen's tomb. The mummification process has historically involved toxic materials such as arsenic, mercury, and lead, necessitating careful handling. Various microorganisms can remain dormant in the remains for centuries and can proliferate under unsuitable conditions. A case from 1962 identified poisonous fungi spores in mummified remains that could cause respiratory issues, while a 2013 study noted microbial growth in mummies displayed at the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily. Additionally, a 2012 study found multiple species of fungi in the crypts of the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Krakow, Poland.