Embalming is the chemical process of temporarily preserving human remains to significantly retard the natural process of decomposition. This technique involves chemically treating the body to ensure its state remains stable for a defined period following death. Modern embalming uses sophisticated chemical agents and methods to achieve preservation. This procedure plays a significant role in allowing for public viewings and the logistics of transporting remains over long distances.
The Purpose of Modern Embalming
The modern embalming procedure serves three primary, interconnected goals: sanitation, preservation, and presentation. Sanitation is achieved by disinfecting the remains with strong antimicrobial chemicals, which eliminates or controls pathogens and makes the remains safer for handling by funeral professionals. This disinfection process also helps to stop the growth of bacteria that initiate decomposition.
Preservation is achieved by stabilizing tissues to delay the inevitable breakdown that occurs after death. By chemically treating the proteins within the body, the embalmer can halt the enzymatic and bacterial processes that cause putrefaction. Successful preservation allows for a longer period between the time of death and the final disposition, accommodating funeral rites and travel arrangements.
Presentation, sometimes referred to as restoration, focuses on preparing the body for viewing by loved ones. The process aims to restore a more natural, lifelike appearance that may have been altered by illness, injury, or the initial stages of decomposition. This can involve cosmetic enhancements, setting facial features, and ensuring the skin maintains an acceptable color and texture.
The Technical Embalming Procedure
The technical process of embalming begins with an initial preparation of the body, which includes bathing the remains with a germicidal soap and relieving rigor mortis by carefully massaging the limbs. Facial features like the eyes and mouth are set using specialized devices or sutures to achieve a peaceful expression. This preparation ensures the fluid can distribute effectively and the body is posed correctly for the casket.
The core of the procedure is arterial injection. The embalmer raises a major artery, such as the common carotid, and a corresponding vein, like the jugular. A centrifugal pump injects a diluted embalming solution into the arterial system under pressure. This preservative fluid displaces the blood, which is simultaneously drained from the venous system through the vein.
Approximately one gallon of solution is typically injected for every 50 pounds of body weight to ensure thorough saturation of the tissues. After the arterial phase, the embalmer performs a cavity treatment to address the organs and contents of the thoracic and abdominal areas. A long, hollow instrument called a trocar is inserted through a small incision near the navel to aspirate gases and fluids from the internal organs.
Following aspiration, the embalmer injects a concentrated, undiluted cavity fluid directly into the emptied body cavities. This fluid saturates the viscera and the walls of the trunk, providing long-term preservation for the internal organs. Once the procedure is complete, the small incisions are closed. The body then undergoes final cosmetic treatment, including makeup application, hair styling, and dressing before being placed in a casket.
Primary Chemical Agents Used
The primary agent in modern embalming fluid is formaldehyde, often used as a 37% aqueous solution known as formalin. Formaldehyde is a potent preservative that functions by “fixing” or cross-linking proteins in the tissues. This chemical reaction effectively renders the proteins unusable as a food source for bacteria and stabilizes the cellular structure.
Embalming fluid is not pure formalin but a carefully formulated mixture, where the concentration of formaldehyde typically ranges from 5% to 29% in the concentrated arterial fluid before dilution. Glutaraldehyde is another common preservative that works similarly to formaldehyde but is preferred for its less dehydrating effect. These preservatives are combined with secondary components that modify the solution’s action and improve its cosmetic effect.
Methanol, a solvent, is included to maintain the formaldehyde in solution and enhance its penetration. Humectants, such as glycerin or sorbitol, are added to help the tissues retain moisture, preventing a dehydrated appearance. Dyes are also incorporated to give the skin a more natural color as the fluid is distributed.
Legal Requirements and Alternatives
Federal law, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, does not mandate embalming. The Funeral Rule requires providers to inform consumers that embalming is not required by law, and they must receive permission to perform it. However, a funeral home may require embalming if the family chooses certain services, such as a public viewing with an open casket.
State and local laws may impose requirements under specific conditions, often related to public health and logistics. Embalming or refrigeration is frequently required if the final disposition will not occur within a set number of hours (typically 24 to 48 hours after death). The procedure may also be necessary if the body is transported across state lines or shipped by a common carrier, such as an airline.
For families who choose not to embalm, the most common alternative for temporary preservation is refrigeration. Storing the remains in a refrigerated environment effectively slows the rate of decomposition, allowing time for a private viewing or funeral service. Other alternatives include natural or green burial practices, which forgo chemical preservation entirely in favor of an immediate or time-sensitive burial in a biodegradable container.