A study by Squires et al. analyzed public online listings for mummified human and animal remains, finding significant health risks due to fungal colonization. Researchers examined posts across Facebook, Instagram, brick-and-mortar websites, a Dutch e-commerce platform, and auctioneers. Of the 128 posts reviewed, only 24 originated from non-Meta platforms. The items mostly included body parts like hands, feet, or heads, with six animal specimens such as a cat, falcon, ibis, perch, and primate skull. Only one seller offered a complete body, which is noted as extremely rare and costly.

The analysis revealed that sellers were aware of legal restrictions, often specifying locations where transfers are forbidden and avoiding clear declaration of contents to prevent seizure. Provenance was frequently absent. Most alarmingly, 13 Facebook posts displayed visible fungal growth on the remains, indicated by yellow, white, black, or pink spots. This suggests improper storage conditions and potential widespread exposure to toxic spores.

Squires emphasized that these items are mailed nationally and internationally with little regard for health safety. The researchers call for clearer, more prominent guidelines to close loopholes in shipping policies and protect buyers and sellers from misinterpretation. The findings were published in the International Journal of Cultural Property.