Groundbreaking Study on the Risks of Formaldehyde Released

A natural green burial without the use of toxic chemicals
Credit: Dead Good Legacies

A new Environmental Protection Agency study has determined that formaldehyde presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health under its conditions of use because of acute inhalation and dermal exposures.

Released in December, the study assessed the risks posed by formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). While the study acknowledges that these risks may not necessarily apply to everyone, the EPA has expressed a high degree of confidence in the overall conclusions that it has drawn from this study.

In the funeral industry, formaldehyde has traditionally played an important role as an embalming agent. As such, it presents embalmers with a high degree of risk as they are routinely exposed to concentrations that average up to nine parts per million (ppm) during the embalming process.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have established that short-term exposures to the strong-smelling gas at levels up to 5 ppm cause nose, eye and throat irritation. At levels of 10 to 20 ppm formaldehyde causes coughing, chest tightness and unusual heartbeat patterns. And at levels from 50 to 100 ppm the effects worsen to the point of causing fluid buildup in the lungs followed by death. The recent EPA study has also identified cancer and other chronic risks associated with long-term inhalation of formaldehyde.

A Long History and Changing Times

Traditional funerals have depended on formaldehyde as an important agent to arrest the process of decomposition, allowing the deceased to be presentable for viewing beyond just a few days after death, for transportation over long distances, or absent refrigeration as a means of preservation.

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has been a major stakeholder in the EPA Risk Evaluation study, and while the industry confirms the findings of the study, it has ensured that the use of formaldehyde for embalming is exempt from regulations under the TSCA, as well as potential future regulations under other laws and agencies that could impact traditional funeral services.

The NFDA strongly advocated for these exemptions despite the risks identified in the study, citing a peer-reviewed study on formaldehyde exposure that claimed that exposure levels for funeral directors and embalmers are below permissible standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Formaldehyde is no longer the only option for embalming.
Credit: dceg.cancer.gov

The NFDA maintains that the use of formaldehyde is essential for traditional funeral practices, claiming that there is no substitute for its use as a preservative to delay the natural process of decomposition. However, more and more people have learned about the high levels of toxicity in formaldehyde-based embalming fluid and the alarming environmental implications as it leaches into the ground.

It is estimated that more than 4 million gallons of embalming fluid are buried in the U.S. every year, with serious implications on overall soil health and contamination of water tables, streams and rivers. As public awareness grows, in recent years there has been a major push towards green burials and the use of less toxic and eco-friendly embalming products if a traditional funeral service is still desired.

There are practical alternatives to the use of formaldehyde as an embalming agent and many options available that present more environmentally friendly choices. Formulations using a mixture of natural substances such as essential oils and non-toxic chemicals like alcohol effectively arrest the process of decomposition. In light of the findings released by the EPA, moving away from the use of formaldehyde is not only a commendable decision to protect the health of embalmers and funeral directors, but also for the overall health and well-being of our planet.

The Green Burial Council provides information for funeral homes to meet guidelines for certification through the use of non-toxic and bio-degradable preservation and sanitation chemicals and body care products. These practices are based on non-invasive and natural means of cleansing and preparing the decedent for viewing (if so desired) and for a green burial. In addition to furthering environmental and societal aims to protect the health of funerary workers and conserving natural resources, moving away from the use of formaldehyde makes perfect sense.