Ruth Orji
Claim: Embalming is bad for the environment.
A few days ago, an X user @mealgrrl made a post arguing that embalming poses a varying amount of environmental threats.
https://x.com/mealgrrl/status/1860164522188960111?t=lpgp0NFwJLKZ1wGzYDhXUg&s=08
This post has since gathered 4.5m views; 137,000 likes; 254 comments; 4,400 reposts; 3,518 bookmarks.
NatureNews, Africa’s foremost newspaper on climate change, which is dedicated to providing accurate insights to stop the spread of fake news particularly among users of social media, subjected the claim to fact checking.
Findings: Using the Google search tool in conducting this research, NatureFact, the fact checking unit of NatureNews, accessed a few papers and studies.
A thorough fact-checking investigation has revealed that this claim is true.
@TheDeathDesigner stated that not only does it harm our environment, it also harms people who work with embalming fluid such as funeral directors and morticians.
https://youtu.be/QvWWUUUZyR8?si=ajvVX_mXAyqoeFMn
@BestapricedFunerals state that the chemicals used in making embalming fluids and not environmentally friendly and they lead to a certain type of cancer if plants grown around it are consumed.
https://youtu.be/92thCBZQAn8?si=qe4lvXmlh4pWr0wp
@Grunge alleged that the process of disposal of water containing embalming fluids are not done properly and somehow gets into large bodies of water endangering aquatic life.
@CaitlinDoughty stated that formaldehyde from embalming fluids can cause leukaemia when inhaled.
https://youtu.be/p3rIc1qS258?si=B_7ka7uw5GFyK2PR
Embalming can be harmful to the environment. Embalming involves using chemicals to preserve a deceased person’s body, and some of these chemicals can have negative environmental impacts. Here are some concerns:
- Formaldehyde: Embalming fluids contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and toxic substance. Formaldehyde can contaminate soil and groundwater when embalmed bodies are buried.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Embalming fluids release VOCs, which contribute to air pollution and can cause respiratory problems.
- Chemical runoff: During the embalming process, chemicals can spill or leak, contaminating nearby waterways and soil.
- Soil pollution: Embalmed bodies can leach chemicals into the soil, potentially harming microorganisms and affecting soil quality.
- Resource consumption: Embalming requires significant amounts of energy, water, and chemicals, contributing to resource depletion.
However, it’s worth noting that:
- Modern embalming practices: Many funeral homes and mortuaries are adopting more environmentally friendly embalming methods, such as using biodegradable fluids or minimal embalming techniques.
- Green burial options: Some cemeteries and funeral homes offer green burial options, which eliminate the need for embalming fluids altogether.
To minimize environmental harm, consider:
- Choosing eco-friendly funeral options, such as green burial or resomation (a water-based cremation process).
- Opting for biodegradable embalming fluids or minimal embalming techniques.
- Supporting funeral homes and mortuaries that prioritize environmental sustainability.
Additionally, Embalming is prohibited in certain religious factions e.g Islam. This is because it is regarded as unnecessary due to the fact that in Islamic law, bodies need to be buried quickly.
Verdict: True. Embalming poses various environmental risks.
