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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Daniel Boffey Chief reporter

‘Real mummy’s curse’: health warning over growing trade in mummified human remains

King Tutankhamun's sarcophagus sits in his burial chamber, walls covered in painted hieroglyphics
It is believed a form of aspergillosis from inhaling spores during the exploration of King Tutankhamun’s tomb (above) may have contributed to the death of Lord Carnarvon. Photograph: Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty Images

A growing global trade in mummified human remains has been described by academics as “a real mummy’s curse” that poses a serious health risk to its enthusiasts and the postal services they use.

Research into the secretive buying and selling of centuries-old human body parts including hands, feet and heads found alarming risks from dormant microorganisms and the toxic materials used to preserve the remains.

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