Embalming+fluids

Embalming fluids are chemicals which are used in the disinfection and preservation of the deceased. Embalming fluids are also used in slowing decompositon down. The slowing down of decompisiton is accomplished by the embalming fluid stopping cellular proteins. With the cellular proteins stopped bacteria can not survive or continue to grow. The killing of bacteria retards the decomposition process. Some embalming fluids contains slight amounts of dye. The dye used in these fluids are very helpful to an embalmer. The slight glowing gave off by the dye as it travels through the body lets an embalmer know where the fluid is being distributed.​ There are several types of embalming fluids. Some form of arterial fluid is used in every embalming case. These arterial fluids consists of formaldehyde, glutarldehyde, and some form of alcohol usually methanol. Cavity fluid is also a embalming fluid used in every embalming case. Cavity fluids have a higher content of formaldehyde. These cavity fluids are used to treat the abdominal and thoraic cavities of the deceased. Different types of embalming fluids are used for different embalming cases. Cases needing longer or stronger preservation will need an embalming fluid with a higher content of formaldehyde. Bodies of deceased being shipped a great distance or that which may have a delayed viewing will need the longer preservation. Embalming fluids are very important to the funeral business. These fluids allow for families to have visitations and view their loved one. The embalming fluids also help keep a natural appearance of the deceased which is comforting to the family. Without the preservation of these fluids there would be alot less visitations which would in turn hurt the revenue of funeral homes. What I found interesting about these fluids is that they can slow decomposition enough to allow for a visitation. In chemistry we will look at the composition of some of the compounds used in embalming fluids.