Embalming involves chemically preserving a body by replacing natural body fluids with a preservative solution, most commonly one containing formaldehyde, to temporarily delay the natural process of decomposition. It is traditionally used to make a body presentable for an open-casket viewing. Embalming is generally not mandated by federal law, and consumers have the right to decline it. Knowing what happens when this chemical preservation is forgone helps in making informed decisions about post-death care.
The Initial Biological Changes
Without chemical preservation, the body immediately begins a natural and irreversible process of physical breakdown. The initial stage is autolysis, which begins when cells, deprived of oxygen and circulation, start to digest themselves using their own internal enzymes.
Following autolysis, putrefaction begins, driven by the body’s natural bacteria, primarily those residing in the gut. These microorganisms spread throughout the tissues and begin to break them down, releasing gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, and putrescine. These gases cause the body to bloat and are responsible for the characteristic odor of decay.
Even before these processes become visible, the body exhibits several immediate physical changes. Algor mortis is the cooling of the body to match the ambient temperature, a process that is faster in cooler environments. Livor mortis occurs as blood settles due to gravity, creating a purplish discoloration in the lowest parts of the body. Rigor mortis, the temporary stiffening of the muscles, follows as chemical energy reserves in the muscle tissue are depleted, typically beginning within hours of death and peaking around 12 hours later.
The rate at which these changes progress is influenced by the surrounding environment. Warmer temperatures accelerate both autolysis and putrefaction, making the visible signs of decomposition appear much faster. Conversely, cold temperatures significantly slow down the activity of both the enzymes and the bacteria, thereby delaying the physical changes.
Immediate Handling and Preservation Requirements
Since a body that is not embalmed is subject to rapid deterioration, the primary non-chemical method used by funeral homes for temporary preservation is refrigeration. Specialized mortuary refrigeration units are designed to maintain a temperature typically between 36 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius). This low temperature substantially slows the enzymatic and microbial activity that causes decomposition.
Most funeral homes will require a body to be either embalmed or placed into refrigeration if final disposition is not scheduled to occur quickly. Generally, an unembalmed body can be held under refrigeration for a few days up to a few weeks, though the condition of the remains will not be maintained indefinitely. When refrigeration is used, a viewing may still be possible, but it is often limited to a short, private identification viewing.
If a family wishes for an open-casket viewing, the time frame is severely limited, often to less than 24 to 48 hours, depending on the body’s condition and ambient temperature. In lieu of refrigeration, some funeral providers may use dry ice or cooling blankets directly on the body for short-term preservation, which can extend the viewing window slightly. However, skipping both embalming and refrigeration necessitates an immediate disposition, such as a burial or cremation, usually within a day of death.
Legal Requirements and Transportation Rules
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule is the federal regulation that governs funeral homes and explicitly states that embalming is not a requirement by law for a direct cremation or immediate burial. This rule ensures consumers cannot be charged for embalming if they have chosen a service that does not require it. However, the FTC does permit funeral homes to require embalming for certain services, most commonly a public viewing or visitation.
While federal law does not mandate embalming, state and local regulations often impose time-based requirements on the handling of remains. In many jurisdictions, if a body is not buried or cremated within a specific period, such as 24 or 48 hours, it must be either embalmed or refrigerated. These requirements are in place primarily for public health and safety.
Transportation of unembalmed remains introduces additional logistical and legal complexities, particularly for interstate or international travel. Common carriers, such as airlines, often require a body to be embalmed or placed in a sealed shipping container, like an Airtray with dry ice, before transport. For long-distance transport, embalming may be the most practical option, though some states will allow the use of dry ice and a sealed container as an alternative when crossing state lines.
Alternatives for Final Disposition
Choosing not to embalm steers a family toward disposition methods that do not rely on chemical preservation. Immediate burial, a choice protected under the FTC Funeral Rule, involves transporting the body directly to the cemetery for burial shortly after death, without any formal viewing or ceremony with the body present. This option is often chosen for its simplicity, lower cost, and adherence to traditions that oppose chemical intervention.
Similarly, immediate cremation (or direct cremation) is a disposition method where the body is transferred to the crematory shortly after death, again without a formal viewing or ceremony. The body is held under refrigeration until the necessary permits are secured and the cremation can take place. Since the body is reduced to bone fragments by high heat, embalming is not necessary for this process.
Another alternative is natural burial, often called green burial, which requires the body to be unembalmed. This method uses biodegradable materials, such as a shroud or a casket made of natural wood or wicker, and prohibits the use of outer burial containers like concrete vaults. Natural burial grounds aim to allow the body to decompose naturally and return nutrients to the earth, making the absence of preservation chemicals a central requirement.