A BBC News report states that 50% – 55% of bodies in the UK have some form of embalming. It cites delays between the death and funeral services, as well as delays in getting paperwork.
It’s a practise that’s widely accepted in most cultures – the exceptions are Jewish and Muslim funerals – but it’s also potentially set to change.
As the EU brings in a restriction on levels of formaldehyde, the primary ingredient in embalming fluid, funeral directors in the UK have been given an extension. What happens when the UK leaves the EU is a matter of waiting to see.
Embalming allows loved ones a little extra time before the body’s cells break down, in other words before it decomposes. In some cases, embalming won’t be required. If the death was traumatic, such as a fire or traffic accident, the funeral director may suggest you don’t view the body.
Embalming is also forbidden where a green funeral is taking place and if the deceased died of a notifiable infectious disease.
Why Choose Embalming?
Embalming can restore the appearance of a loved one and help the family get closure. If the person had a wasting disease, certain types of cancer for example, a skilled embalmer can restore the deceased’s appearance to resemble that of when they were alive.
The British Institute of Embalmers’ code of conduct says that the family should be made aware of the process of embalming and should also give consent, in writing if possible, before any embalming is carried out.
Under UK law the only time a body must be embalmed is when it’s being transported abroad or into the UK. Here the body must be embalmed, and a certificate of embalming is needed as part of the repatriation documents.
The Embalming Process
Embalmers are qualified and highly qualified and skilled, particularly in the field of post-mortem surgery where they might be required to reconstruct a person’s features after a traumatic incident such as a fire.
There are two main types of embalming processes, but both involve removing fluids from the body and replacing them with a preservative. It takes between two and four hours.
Cavity Embalming – here the fluids in the chest and abdomen are removed and replaced with a preservative fluid. A small incision is made in the cavity area, the fluids drained, replaced and the cut is sealed.
Arterial Embalming – as the arteries are the roads of the body the preserving fluid is injected straight into the arteries. As the fluid goes round the body the blood is forced out through a tube in the neck or leg.
The amount of embalming solution used depends on the size of the person. It’s a careful mixture that includes formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ethanol, methanol and phenol. There will also be water and some colourants to help restore the natural appearance of the skin.
What Happens Where There is No Embalming?
Assuming there will be a wake, the body is prepared, that is cleaned and dressed, in the same way as if it were being embalmed but the final embalming process doesn’t take place.
The idea is to make the deceased look as close to their appearance during their life as possible. Sometimes the funeral director will ask for a recent photograph of the deceased to work from.
If you do choose embalming, you can still be cremated and your ashes scattered in the same way as if no embalming had taken place.
And unless you were an organ donor you would be embalmed with your organs.
In Conclusion
Embalming goes back thousands of years. The most famous examples are the Egyptian pharaohs, who had embalming techniques applied during mummification. The use of formaldehyde started around the 1800s, originally as a means to preserve bodies for scientific study.
Often, visiting a loved one in the chapel of rest is a vital part of the grieving process and embalming is the best option open to funeral directors for delaying the body’s natural decay after death.
It’s a personal choice, but still widely used across the world. It helps keep mourners safe from any risk of disease and ensures the viewing does not become distressing because of decomposition.
