A Guide to Safe Formaldehyde Use in Mortuaries

5 Formaldehyde Uses in Mortuaries

It’s common to use formaldehyde in mortuaries, as it’s an effective chemical for preserving tissue. It helps cross-links proteins, which stabilizes the tissue and prevents degradation.

There are various uses for formaldehyde in mortuary settings, such as the following:

Embalming

In mortuaries, formaldehyde is used in embalming fluid to preserve the body and slow natural decomposition. It replaces blood in the circulatory system, helping to maintain the body’s structure and appearance. This process allows the body to be presented for viewings and funerals safely.

Disinfection

Formaldehyde also acts as a powerful disinfectant in mortuaries, killing bacteria and microorganisms that contribute to decay. This ensures the body is safe to handle and reduces health risks for embalmers and visitors. It also helps maintain a cleaner mortuary environment.

Tissue Fixation

Formaldehyde is known to fix tissues by cross-linking proteins, which firms and stabilizes the body’s tissues and features. In mortuaries, this helps the body hold its shape for a more lifelike appearance during public viewing. It also prevents the sagging or deterioration of delicate facial and hand features.

Odor Control

Formaldehyde neutralizes foul odors caused by bacterial activity and decomposition. In mortuaries, using this chemical helps keep the preparation room and viewing areas free from unpleasant smells. This is essential for maintaining a dignified and respectful atmosphere for grieving families.

Specimen Preservation

Mortuaries sometimes use formaldehyde to preserve tissue samples or small anatomical specimens for training or legal documentation. It keeps these specimens intact for long-term study or reference. This helps embalmers, students, and professionals learn or verify techniques related to body preparation.

Risks of Using Formaldehyde in Mortuaries

While formaldehyde is a very useful chemical for mortuaries, it poses significant risks. These risks require close attention as they are safety hazards for workers and the environment. Some of the common risks associated with using formaldehyde in mortuaries include the following:

Health Hazards

In mortuaries, exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. It may also lead to respiratory problems or allergic reactions in embalmers and other staff. Prolonged contact without proper protection can worsen these symptoms, with some appearing long after exposure. For this reason, multiple occupational guidelines and regulations require those working in the death care industry to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow proper chemical handling procedures to minimize these risks.

Carcinogenic Effects

Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen, meaning long-term exposure can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly of the respiratory system. Mortuary workers who handle it regularly without proper ventilation or protection are at higher risk. Having this chemical linger in the air and on equipment can also increase the chances of cancer in the long term. This makes safety and equipment training essential.

Environmental Concerns

Improper disposal of formaldehyde-containing fluids from mortuaries can contaminate soil and water sources. This poses environmental risks and can harm wildlife and ecosystems. Safe disposal practices and adherence to environmental regulations are necessary.

Fire Hazard

Formaldehyde is a flammable chemical, and its vapors can ignite when exposed to open flames or sparks in mortuaries. Storage near heat sources or improper handling increases the fire risk. Fire safety measures and proper storage protocols are crucial to prevent accidents, alongside emergency preparedness procedures.

Improve Formaldehyde Safety in Mortuaries with Sensors

Modern Internet-of-Things (IoT) and room sensors can be used to monitor formaldehyde exposure and improve the safety of workers. Here are some of the ways sensors can aid in reducing the occupational risks that come with working with formaldehyde:

• Air quality monitoring – Certain sensors can continuously monitor indoor air quality in embalming and preparation rooms. This allows mortuary staff to detect dangerous levels of formaldehyde immediately and respond quickly.
• Immediate alerts – The best sensors for mortuaries provide real-time detection and trigger immediate alerts from within and through connected to desktops and mobiles when formaldehyde levels rise above safe thresholds. This allows embalmers and mortuary staff to respond quickly by adjusting ventilation or stopping work to prevent overexposure.
• Data logging – Modern sensors automatically record formaldehyde levels over time, creating detailed data logs. Mortuary managers can use this data to track exposure trends, ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formaldehyde standards, and improve safety protocols.
• Integrations – Many formaldehyde sensors can integrate with building management systems or ventilation controls. This allows automatic adjustments, like increasing airflow or shutting down equipment when unsafe levels are detected.
• Predictive maintenance – Sensor data can help identify and analyze patterns that signal equipment wear or leaks before they become dangerous. This predictive maintenance approach helps mortuaries prevent formaldehyde leaks and maintain a consistently safe work environment.

Other Ways Technology Boosts Formaldehyde Safety in Mortuary Settings

Sensors aren’t the only way modern technology is improving formaldehyde safety for mortuary workers. Here are some other safety improvements that technology can bring to the workplace.

• Digital checklists – Utilizing digital forms and checklists remind mortuary workers of essential safety steps when handling formaldehyde. They help reduce mistakes and ensure proper protective measures are always followed.
• Asset management – Certain monitoring platforms also offer asset management systems integrated into them, helping mortuaries better track the condition of their embalming machines, storage containers, and ventilation equipment. This ensures all formaldehyde-handling tools are well-maintained and safe for daily use.
• Compliance tracking – Compliance tools automatically record formaldehyde exposure levels and safety actions. This helps mortuary workers stay within OSHA limits and protects them during inspections or audits.
• Trained staff – Many digital solutions on the market today also offer training materials and aids that allow mortuary staff to stay updated on formaldehyde safety practices anytime and anywhere. This ensures workers are properly equipped to handle formaldehyde and how to address any possible risks and incidents, while also staying compliant with safety regulations.