of air across the preparation table(s) so that formaldehyde vapors are transported away from and out of the embalmer's breathing zone. ● Installation of an LEV device, designed to serve the preparation table(s), will control formaldehyde at its source and enhance the effective operation of a general ventilation system. The design, installation, maintenance, and alteration of the preparation room ventilation system should always be in consultation with an HVAC professional to ensure the system is functioning effectively to reduce formaldehyde exposure to the greatest extent possible. 4. Make simple changes in the ventilation system: Simple changes in the ventilation system can often result in major improvements. Examples of changes include resizing the exhaust fan and relocating and resizing the exhaust grille so that it is adjacent to the embalming table(s) near the floor. 5. Schedule implementation and maintenance: Establish a schedule to implement the expert's recommendations for improving ventilation system effectiveness and maintaining the funeral home’s ventilation system. Additional studies concerning formaldehyde hazards and precaution guidelines are ongoing and published on the NFDA website.
in the preparation room and in lowering overall levels of formaldehyde. The NFDA criteria are as follows: ● The ventilation system should be a dedicated nonrecirculation system. ● As a general proposition, the minimum air change rate for the preparation room should be no less than 15 air changes per hour. ● The ventilation system should exhaust more air from the space than it supplies to the space to create a slightly negative pressure within the preparation room relative to adjacent spaces in the funeral home. ● The number and locations of supply diffusers and exhaust grilles should be adequate to direct a sufficient amount
NFDA Five-Step Guide for Effective Preparation Room Ventilation An essential preliminary step for a funeral home is to assemble all information about the current preparation room ventilation system (NFDA, 2010): 1. Complete the Formaldehyde Ventilation Assessment: NFDA
members may download the Funeral Home Preparation Room Formaldehyde Ventilation Assessment from the NFDA website. 2. Complete expert HVAC consultation: The NFDA strongly recommends the periodic reevaluation of the preparation room ventilation system by an expert HVAC consultant. 3. Evaluate recommendations: Evaluate the expert's recommendations to determine the actions to take that will provide the greatest short-term and long-term benefits.
TRENDS IN EMBALMING
New legal form: Formaldehyde-free embalming authorization In keeping with the trend of moving the funeral industry toward environmentally safe embalming for green funerals, in 2012 the NFDA developed a form that authorizes formaldehyde-free embalming. According to the NFDA, this new form not only serves as an embalming authorization form but also includes a clause indicating that the family wants the funeral home to
use a formaldehyde-free embalming solution and understands that the results may differ from those of a solution containing formaldehyde. Members can download this and all sample legal forms and documents from the NFDA website (http:// www.nfda.org/legalforms) at any time and at no cost (NFDA, 2012b). evaporates, it releases carbon dioxide, so proper ventilation is necessary. Because family members may be unaware, funeral providers should inform individuals involved of the fact that refrigeration does not restore a lifelike appearance. If the family or funeral professional feels the body needs some type of preparation, it must be discussed and explained thoroughly to the family representative in keeping with the wishes of the deceased. Cosmetic restoration or intrusive process may not be desired. Funeral professionals should not make decisions regarding features or other standard restorative measures prior to discussion with the family member. ● Only biodegradable items used in all aspects of the embalming and/or burial process. The process of ecobalming, as a complement to a green burial, exemplifies newer views regarding death, funerals, and the celebration of the person. Ecobalming rejects traditional methods used in the funeral industry for hundreds of years. The goal is to provide funerals and burials that are more natural, affordable, practical, and personal, and to provide a more meaningful celebration at the end of life.
Alternatives to embalming Those who desire to view a body but are opposed to embalming because they want a green burial can be accommodated in a number of ways. While many assume that laws require embalming, embalming is primarily required to preserve the body for viewing. Refrigeration or dry ice can be an appropriate alternative, especially for the first 72 hours after death. Funeral homes with refrigeration units can easily refrigerate the body and have a short public or private viewing. Most families require only a few days for the funeral process before cremation or burial, and most human bodies do not deteriorate quickly. If refrigeration is not available, ice or dry ice can be used to preserve the body until burial. When dry ice Ecobalming The mission of ecobalming is to develop environmentally safe embalming practices that preserve the body as a part of the green burial process. The objective is to have: ● No toxins in the embalming or burial process. ● No secret or undisclosed ingredients. ● Full disclosure of all chemicals and processes. ● Documented environmental impact of all chemical components. ● Little to no impact on the environment. ● Full disclosure and provided Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS, 2015).
TRENDS IN CREMATION
Cremation rates continue to rise, and funeral homes are adapting to this increased demand by providing the service directly or partnering with a firm. In addition to cremation and the service or ceremony, business revenue can come from
video tributes and from merchandise such as urns, keepsake jewelry, chimes, or picture frames that display or hold a portion of the cremains. The reasons for the increasing popularity of cremation include lower costs, ease and convenience, reduced
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