Embalming is the process of chemically treating a dead body to slow its decomposition. Embalming fluid, the primary chemical used in this process, contains a number of potentially hazardous ingredients that could contaminate soil when a body decomposes.
What is embalming fluid made of?
The main active ingredients in embalming fluid are:
- Formaldehyde – a toxic chemical and known human carcinogen
- Methanol – a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness
- Ethanol – the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages
- Phenol – a toxic chemical derived from coal tar
Embalming fluid also contains dyes, perfumes, and other preservatives. The exact formula can vary between funeral homes.
How does embalming fluid work?
Embalming fluid works by:
- Killing bacteria that cause decomposition
- Dehydrating tissues
- Preserving cell structures
- Tightening and firming the skin
This slows down the natural breakdown of tissues after death. However, embalmed bodies will still eventually decompose.
Does embalming completely preserve a body?
No, embalming does not completely halt decomposition. The preservative effects only last for a limited time:
- 2-4 days if the body is not refrigerated
- Up to 2 weeks with refrigeration
- Up to several months if the body is buried in a highly waterproof casket
Over time, even an embalmed body will decompose and release the embalming chemicals into the surrounding soil.
Are the chemicals in embalming fluid toxic?
Yes, many ingredients in embalming fluid are toxic, particularly formaldehyde. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.
In the short term, exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Longer-term exposure is linked to increased cancer risk.
Phenol and methanol are also hazardous in high concentrations. As embalmed bodies decompose, these chemicals seep into the soil, where they can remain for years.
How much embalming fluid is used?
A typical embalming uses 2-4 gallons of embalming fluid per body. With over 2 million embalmings performed annually in the US, this means:
- 4-8 million gallons of embalming fluid used per year
- 22-44 million pounds of formaldehyde discharged per year
Over decades, US cemeteries accumulate massive amounts of embalming chemicals in soil.
Can embalming chemicals contaminate groundwater?
There is concern that embalming fluid chemicals could leach from burial sites into groundwater. Formaldehyde in particular can persist in groundwater for over 1 year.
However, few studies have directly analyzed groundwater near cemeteries for contamination. More research is needed to quantify the risk.
Do embalming chemicals affect soil microbial life?
There is some evidence that embalming chemicals inhibit microbial life in the soil surrounding burial plots. One study found:
- 75% lower microbial biomass
- 65% less microbial activity
in soil samples from embalmed cadavers compared to unembalmed cadavers after 2 years of burial. The antimicrobial chemicals persist and prevent microbes from breaking down organic matter.
Do cemeteries have an obligation to contain embalming chemicals?
There are currently no regulations requiring cemeteries to prevent contamination from embalming chemicals. However, public health advocates argue that cemeteries should take steps such as:
- Requiring sealed caskets and vaults
- Double-lining graves
- Installing drainage systems
- Monitoring groundwater for contamination
These measures could contain the chemicals and minimize environmental impacts.
Are there any greener alternatives to embalming?
There is growing interest in “green” or “natural” burial practices that avoid embalming. Options include:
- Refrigeration – Can preserve an unembalmed body for a viewing
- Dry ice – Can keep an unembalmed body for days
- Natural burials – No embalming or casket
- Green cemeteries – Require biodegradable caskets and vaults
These approaches allow natural decomposition and avoid releasing embalming chemicals into the soil.
Does embalming provide any environmental benefits?
Some argue that embalming reduces the risk of disease spread from unembalmed bodies. However, according to the CDC, a person who has died is generally not a health risk to the living.
Proper storage at cool temperatures contains infection as effectively as embalming. From an environmental standpoint, avoidance of embalming is preferable.
Conclusion
The chemicals in embalming fluid, especially formaldehyde, are toxic and pose a contamination risk when they decompose into soil and groundwater. As more evidence emerges, cemeteries and regulators may need to take steps to contain embalming chemicals.
Greener burial practices that avoid embalming are a better choice for minimizing environmental impacts. While embalming provides some preservation benefits, unembalmed burial with proper storage is an environmentally safe alternative.