Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in the process of embalming human remains. Its primary purpose in this context is to temporarily preserve the body, delaying the natural process of decomposition. This allows for various funeral practices, such as viewing services, to take place over a period of days or even longer.
Understanding Embalming
Embalming treats human remains to forestall decomposition. This practice has a long, cross-cultural history, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians developing intricate mummification processes for religious and preservation reasons. Modern embalming gained popularity in the United States during the Civil War, enabling the transportation of deceased soldiers for burial closer to home. The practice today aims to sanitize, preserve, and present the deceased for viewing.
Embalming is a temporary measure designed to delay decomposition. Its effectiveness allows for funeral services to occur without the odors or other unpleasantness associated with untreated remains. While it can preserve a body for many years under favorable conditions, the main goal is often to provide a presentable appearance for a funeral service.
Formaldehyde’s Role
Formaldehyde is widely used as the primary preservative in most embalming fluids due to its potent properties as a disinfectant and fixative. As a colorless gas, it is typically used in an aqueous solution known as formalin, which may also contain methanol.
The mechanism by which formaldehyde preserves tissue involves cross-linking proteins. It reacts with amino groups in proteins, forming bonds that essentially “fix” them into place. This cross-linking inhibits the activity of enzymes and bacteria that cause decomposition, making the tissue less prone to breakdown. Formaldehyde also helps in firming tissues and preventing fluid leakage, which contributes to maintaining the body’s structure and appearance.
The Embalming Procedure
The embalming process typically begins with a preparation phase where the body is washed with a germicidal soap, and rigor mortis is relieved by massaging the limbs. The eyes are closed using plastic caps, and the mouth is positioned and secured, often through suturing or wiring the jaw. This initial preparation helps achieve a peaceful and natural appearance.
Following preparation, arterial embalming is performed, which involves injecting embalming fluid into the circulatory system. An incision is usually made in an artery, such as the carotid or femoral artery, and a solution containing formaldehyde is pumped through the vessels. Simultaneously, blood is drained from a nearby vein, typically the jugular, as the embalming fluid circulates throughout the body.
After arterial embalming, cavity embalming addresses the internal organs. A small incision is made near the navel, and a specialized instrument called a trocar is inserted into the abdominal and chest cavities. This allows for the aspiration (removal) of gases and fluids from the hollow organs. Following aspiration, concentrated formaldehyde-based chemicals are injected into these cavities to preserve the visceral organs.
Other Post-Mortem Options
While chemical embalming is a common practice, it is not legally required in most places within the United States. Federal law permits funeral homes to require embalming for specific services like open-casket viewings or if remains are transported across state lines or internationally without refrigeration. However, families have several alternatives for post-mortem care.
Refrigeration is a common method to temporarily preserve a body without embalming, often used in morgues or when services are held shortly after death. Other choices include direct cremation, where the body is cremated without a prior viewing, or immediate burial, which involves interment shortly after death without embalming. For those seeking more environmentally conscious options, natural or “green” burials are available, which involve placing the body, often in a biodegradable shroud or casket, directly into the earth without chemical preservatives or concrete vaults. Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation, offers another eco-friendly alternative by using water and an alkaline solution to reduce the body to bone fragments.