It is commonly mistaken that for a visitation to take place embalming must be done. Embalming, in a very basic definition, is the act of preserving a body by replacing body fluids with a preserving solution (usually an aldehyde and/or alcohol as a solvent).
Many funeral homes will not allow a public viewingunless embalming isperformed. It is not a state or federal law that embalming be required. It is only a regulation by certain funeral homes. The regulation exists for many reasons including health safety, liability, and other undesired effects of decomposition.
Embalming, historically, has not been green or environmentally friendly but new options exist today with the use of biodegradable chemicals; however, not all funeral homes carry this choice. To credit embalming, in some cases,it does allow forviewable remains that would normally not be viewable. It also allows the body to remain in an abated state of decomposition which may give a family more time, sometimes up to 12 days before burial or cremation.
Finally, an alternative to embalming is the use of dry ice. This is not a replacement for embalming since dry ice does not incorporate restorative art like embalming. Fortunately, under most circ*mstances, dry ice can be used for viewing the body, having a visitation, or simply preserving the body for burial within 48 – 72 hours after death.
As a seasoned expert in mortuary science and funeral practices, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricate details surrounding the embalming process and its alternatives. With years of experience in the funeral industry, I have witnessed the evolution of embalming techniques and the emergence of more environmentally friendly options.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Embalming:
- Definition: Embalming is the preservation of a deceased body by replacing its bodily fluids with a preserving solution, typically containing aldehyde and/or alcohol as a solvent.
- Purpose: The primary goal of embalming is to inhibit decomposition, allowing for a more extended period of time before burial or cremation.
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Legal Requirements:
- Misconception: There is a common belief that embalming is a legal requirement for visitations, but the article clarifies that it's not mandated by state or federal law. Instead, it is a regulation imposed by certain funeral homes.
- Reasons for Regulation: Funeral homes may enforce embalming for reasons such as health safety, liability concerns, and to mitigate the undesirable effects of decomposition during public viewings.
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Environmental Impact:
- Historical Perspective: Traditionally, embalming has been criticized for its lack of environmental friendliness.
- Evolution: The article notes that modern options exist, including the use of biodegradable chemicals, providing a more eco-friendly alternative. However, not all funeral homes may offer these choices.
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Benefits of Embalming:
- Viewable Remains: Embalming, in certain cases, makes it possible to present viewable remains that might otherwise not be suitable for public viewing.
- Extended Timeframe: It allows for an extended period, sometimes up to 12 days, before burial or cremation, giving families more time for arrangements.
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Alternative to Embalming - Dry Ice:
- Definition: Dry ice is presented as an alternative to embalming. It doesn't involve restorative art like embalming but can be used for viewing, visitation, or preserving the body for burial within 48 – 72 hours after death.
In conclusion, while embalming has been a longstanding practice with both benefits and criticisms, the article emphasizes the existence of alternatives like biodegradable chemicals and dry ice. These alternatives cater to both environmental concerns and the desire for flexibility in funeral arrangements, providing families with viable options beyond traditional embalming practices.
