The “Mummy’s Curse” Could Be Living in Your House

The “Mummy’s Curse” is known as a powerful curse that took the lives of the men that pillaged the tombs of King Tut.  For years, many believed in the “curse” of the tomb. People avoided entering for fear that they too would suffer death.  Years later it’s been reported that the curse was less of spiritual doom and more of an environmental issue based on mold.

Outside the tomb of King Tut shortly after it was opened in 1922.

Source: Lee, K. Howard Carter and the “Curse of the Mummy”. (http://www.unmuseum.org/mummy.htm)

“Several people have suggested that illnesses associated with the ancient Egyptian tombs may have a rational explanation based in biology. Dr. Ezzeddin Taha, of Cairo University, examined the health records of museum workers and noticed that many of them had been exposed to Aspergillus niger (black mold), a fungus that causes fever, fatigue and rashes. He suggested that the fungus might have been able to survive in the tombs for thousands of years and then was picked up by archeologists when they entered.”

Archeologists with the mummy of King Tut—Lord Carnarvon was long dead before this event.

Source: Time Life Pictures/Mansell/Getty Images

  “By 1929, the eleven people associated with the tomb died of early and “unnatural” causes and this is how the myth of the “Mummy’s Curse” evolved.

Archaeologist Howard Carter and an assistant examine the coffin of Tutankhamen with little regard for the “curse.”

Source: Time Life Pictures/Mansell/Getty Images

Recent laboratory studies have revealed that some ancient mummies do indeed carry mold, including at least two potentially dangerous species—Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. These molds can cause allergic reactions ranging from congestion to bleeding in the lungs.

The toxins can be particularly harmful for people with weakened immune systems.

Some tomb walls may also be covered with respiratory-assaulting bacteria like Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus.

While black mold seems like some rare Egyptian fungus, it’s actually all too common.  It could be anywhere in your house and it causes conditions in the body that can be confused with many other illnesses.  It can go undetected for many years while infecting the body in many ways.

A well-known TV personality and actress suffered the effects of black mold.  Susanne Summers rented a house in Malibu, California.  During this time, the family was unaware of black mold forming in the basement of the house.   It grew inside the walls and was pumped through the air ducts.  Before long, her husband grew increasingly ill. The once vibrant and young man began to grow increasingly tired.  Doctors diagnosed him with nervous system disorders, fibromyalgia, and the beginning stages of MS.   He also developed a facial tick.  Summers, horrified by the quick decline of her husband, began searching for the solution.  Five years later they discovered he had toxic mold poisoning that has been infecting his brain.

How does Black Mold Form

When toxic black mold does grow in the home it’s usually in a place out of sight. Toxic black mold needs a lot of moisture for a long time before it can begin to grow. This is why it often grows where there has been a water leak hidden from view. Leaks inside walls, above ceilings or under floors are common causes of toxic black mold.

Toxic Black Mold Symptoms

The mycotoxins of toxic black mold cause people to suffer toxic symptoms. The general types of symptoms caused by toxic black mold include:

• Respiratory problems
• Skin inflammation
• Hemorrhage
• Irritation of the mucous membranes
• Damage to internal organs
• Mental impairment
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Immune system suppression (source)

It’s clear that the “Mummy’s Curse” was nothing more than the bodies reaction to mold spores that had been locked away for thousands of years.  While many involved in excavating the tomb couldn’t be saved, knowing facts about mold could save your life.  If you think you could be suffering from the symptoms listed above, there are several things that you can do to stay safe.

1.) Never disturb black mold.  Exit the building and call professionals to inspect.

2.) Professionally remove the toxic mold before returning.

3.) Keep you house or residence free of moisture that could breed this type of mold spores.

4.) Always inspect your house for possible signs of water damage.  Things such as warped walls, water stains, mold odors, and peeling paint can all be signs of lurking moisture.

Don’t take mold toxicity lightly.  Stay safe and aware of the warning signs.

Adria