Natural Burial - Embalming

Embalming

The primary purpose of embalming is to delay decomposition long enough to allow the body to be viewed. Although this delay might be considered inconsistent with the objectives of natural burial, non-toxic and naturally derived embalming fluids without formaldehyde or other bio-accumulating elements may address many current concerns about ground contamination.

No state or province in North America requires the routine embalming of bodies. At a time specified by state ordinance (usually within 24 hours of death), mechanical refrigeration, chilling with dry ice, or some other technique can be used instead. The goal of cooling is to reduce the body's temperature to about 37 degrees F, retarding the microbial growth present during decomposition. Many cultures around the world use no artificial cooling at all, and bodies are regularly held for several days before their final disposal.

Special circumstances, such as an extended time between death and burial, or the transportation of remains on commercial flights (which often require unembalmed bodies to travel in expensive specialized containers), may necessitate embalming.

The most common embalming fluid is composed of organic chemicals and contains 5–29% formaldehyde, ethanol and water. This solution is biodegradable in time, but it cross-links proteins found in tissue-cell membranes, slowing down bacterial decomposition and inhibiting the body's breakdown in the earth. The ability of embalming fluid to contaminate soil or water tables has not been studied thoroughly. In alkaline soils, formaldehyde would be broken down through the Cannizzaro reaction and become Urotropin, but not all soils are alkaline.

Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen and damages the health of workers exposed to it in high quantities. It is implicated in cancer, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, disorders of the nervous system, and other ailments. The OSHA has the power to require embalmers to wear respirators if the Permissible Exposure Limit air exchange allowance is exceeded, which may put funeral home workers at risk.